Tasting Note This is a solid, firm chardonnay with core power. The nose wafts very rich, sophisticated aromas of hazelnut cream, nutmeg, vanilla ripe pear custard and white flowers. It is medium-full bodied, voluminous and powerful yet with a great sense of cohesion, focus and excellent length. I wanted a bit more acidity, but there is good minerality. Wood tannin joins all the aforementioned flavours on the finish. Tasted June 2025 and March 2026
Backgrounder Planted in 1990, Block 32 is nicknamed The Fan. Like Block 17, the vines are west facing, catching the later morning and afternoon sun during the heat of the day. But they also get more heat from the surrounding rock mass, which retains heat that radiates at night. The mineral deposits and gravel soils add to the sense of strength and power. Processing was the same as Block 17, which means the difference experienced between the two is entirely site driven. The fruit was hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. It was wild fermented with native vineyard yeasts in new and fourth-fill French oak barrels, went through full malolactic fermentation, and was then aged 18 months. It was bottled unfiltered.
