Groth Hillview Chardonnay Napa

Vintage: The 2016 harvest was on the early side of average with bud break happening about a week later than 2015. The growing conditions were excellent this year thanks in part to some later spring rains that recharged the groundwater right as the vines were coming out of dormancy. Overall the summer was on the hotter side with a couple good heat spikes allowing for full flavor maturity at an earlier pick date. Noteworthy characteristics of this vintage include ripe flavors and on-target acidity at lower than normal Brix (sugar levels). Harvest: Our Chardonnay is made entirely from grapes grown on our Hillview Vineyards located in the Oak Knoll District AVA and planted in 1996. The fruit from this cooler vineyard site provides the tropical fruit citrus and mineral notes that complement food nicely. Winemaking: We whole cluster pressed 88% of the Chardonnay fruit giving us juice with incredible delicate fruit flavors and softness. The remaining fruit was destemmed prior to pr