2016 Silhouette Chardonnay

Winemaking

Silhouette is a limited production white wine worthy of a collector’s cellar. For the 2016 vintage, the wine is comprised of grapes grown on our Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard and the neighboring Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. The grapes for Silhouette were handpicked at peak ripeness and hand sorted before being gently pressed at one bar of pressure. The juices were cold settled overnight and then drained to barrel with maximum care to prevent oxidation. We were able to achieve native primary and malolactic fermentations. Total fermentation time was 10 months with malolactic happening at the same time as the alcoholic fermentation, enhancing integration of oak and flavors. The wine was aged for 16 months on full lies in 35% new French oak barrels. We are striving for the best expression of Chardonnay; an exercise of balance with one goal in mind: complexity. This unique, exquisite and noble wine has the potential to age for 10 years or more.

Tasting Notes

The 2016 Silhouette Chardonnay opens with notes of flowers, orange blossom, jasmine, white peach and candied pineapple. The mouth is broad at first, elegant with a deep acidity that sustains the weight and natural sweetness of the wine. The finish exhibits the traditional minerality of our Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard and brings freshness and balance to the wine.