Our Nightwing Estate Vineyard is named after the indigenous nocturnal birds that keep a watchful eye on the land where cool ocean breezes meet long, sunny days. Reflecting this unique environment, the wine offers richness and energy, lifted by delicate floral and saline notes.
Combining beautiful richness and energy, this wine is lifted with floral and saline notes. The earthiness of the nose is backed by a rich palate with lovely viscosity and texture, and an essence that tastes like the wind. The elegant nose, full palate, and crisp bright finish make this a wine of intrigue, complexity and longevity.
To provide a distinct mouthfeel and texture, the harvested grapes were gently pressed as whole clusters, and each block pressed separately. After settling, the juice was racked into French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine remained in barrel, where it completed primary and a partial (75%) secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged on the lees for 10 months, with occasional stirring to increase richness and body. Aging was in 27% new French oak barrels and 22% once-filled French oak barrels. This conservative oak regime allowed the natural beauty of the wine to shine, while imparting subtle toast and spice.
The 2023 vintage produced amazing wines. It was one of the coolest and latest harvests in over a decade. Ripening took its time, and acids were high, which creates wines of distinct flavor and varietal specificity. We harvested seven of the eleven blocks of Chardonnay we have planted at Nightwing consisting of separate clones: 72, Mt. Eden 27, 809, 95 and 124. This mosaic of clones resulted in a exceptionally balanced wine with perfumed floral aromatics and vibrant structure. We picked all blocks on October 11th of 2023 with the brix ranging from 23.4-24.1.
Our Nightwing Estate Vineyard is named in honor of the indigenous nocturnal birds that keep a watchful eye on the land. Nightwing is also a nod to the original guardian of the property, Vernon Morelli, a former WWII pilot who built a landing strip amidst the vineyard. Located in the Petaluma Gap, perched at 1,200 feet above sea level, the vineyard basks in cool ocean winds and long, sunny days
100% Chardonnay
Aged 10 months sur lie in French oak: 27% new, 22% once-used.
Whole cluster pressed and then racked into French oak for primary and malolactic fermentation.
Enjoy exclusive 15-20% member pricing, invitations to exclusive onsite and virtual events, plus complimentary tastings at our stunning MacRostie Estate House.
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