Apollo's Praise Chardonnay 2023 750ml

Expert Review

James Suckling, 95 Points: "This stunning, cool-climate chardonnay realizes the great potential of the Finger Lakes region for this grape. Very elegant, with a cool sophistication and a haunting vanilla and smoky oak character that's beautifully interwoven with the creamy richness on the medium-bodied palate. Very long, refined finish. Limited production. Vegan. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

Producer Description 

• 100% Chardonnay
• The Knoll, Lahoma Vineyard
• small sandstone hill
• Umbrella training system – results in more shading
• Cold soak overnight
• Fermented in 3 French oak large format puncheons
• Aged 10 months in the puncheons, stirred regularly
• 13% abv

As a Harvard educated Economist, Kelby made the unusual transition to wine in pursue of his passion. He also brought with him his deep love for music as a way to inspire his winemaking approach. For well over a decade, he patiently perfected his art while working at another winery. Finally in 2023, Kelby and his also-winemaker wife Julia, embarked on the adventure of their dreams and launched Apollo’s Praise. Despite the wait, the musical influence is as strong as it has ever been. Every bottle suggests an unusual pairing. Turn the bottle around to find a recommended song to listen to while enjoying a glass!

Kelby and Julia produce complex, yet approachable wines by carefully merging art and science. Every single one of them is the reflection of vintage variation, site specificity and unique varietal characteristics. Unsurprisingly, critics regard their highly-sought-after Lahoma Vineyard series as some of Finger Lakes’ best wines.

Apollo’s Praise philosophy in Kelby’s and Julia’s words: “The Best Wines are Art. They are an expression of culture and speak to where they come from, when they come from, and who they come from.”