Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2023 750ml 92TP

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | The balance between richer and more mouthwatering in this estate grown Chardonnay is excellent. Grilled pineapple and baked pear are cut by acidity. And the mineral core is a solid counterpart to the subtly buttery vanilla flecked finish. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 is a full bodied, well balanced Chardonnay with loads of fresh fruit flavors. Aromas of apple, pear, vanilla along with floral notes and hint of oak from the minimal barrel aging fill the glass. Fresh fruit flavors of pear, apple, nectarine, juicy peach and tropical fruits along with slight citrus notes are balanced by the rich mouthfeel and slight minerality on the finish. We harvest 75% of our Chardonnay at night when the grapes are cool to retain the natural acidity, then cold ferment those lots in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging, to highlight the citrus and green apple flavors. We whole-cluster press 25% of the best fruit and barrel ferment that portion in French oak barrels. The barrel fermented lots undergo secondary malolactic fermentation and age on the lees for six to eight months to develop roundness and body.