2020 Blanc de Blancs
2020 Blanc de Blancs
Tasting notes:
Candied lemon drop, brioche and chalky minerality start the nose. The palate has richness owing to the 4 years on the lees and the expected vibrancy of being pure Chardonnay. With a little air, citrus blossoms, white peach preserves and slate take over while the palate shows a pithy verve that’s mouthwatering. A beautiful combination of vintage freshness and the weight more reminiscent of a sparkling with reserve vintages and extended tirage.
A “Méthode Champenoise” sparkling wine made from five clones (Wente, 76, 96, 95 and 15) of Chardonnay from the Solaksen Vineyard. Harvested at night during the third week of August to maintain maximum freshness. Hand sorted and whole cluster pressed to tank where we settled for 48 hours. The juice was then transferred to stainless steel barrels where it was aged for 4 months prior to starting its second fermentation. Disgorged with zero dosage. Only 48 cases produced.
The Vintage:
In 2020 we saw normal budbreak and moderate early season growing conditions and overall was a warm to hot vintage. The season was marred by wildfires and potential smoke taint issues depending on the location of your vineyard sources in relation to the fires. Despite the fires the overall conditions brought phenomenal growing conditions, with some of the highest phenolic material I’ve seen in my career. The wines are plush, with enough structure to age and whites like Sauvignon Blanc are absolutely stunning. The fall unfortunately brought several freeze events during the third and fourth week of October that ended the season for the entire state.
Tech Information:
48 cases produced - $60 release, May 2025
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Aging: 4 months in stainless steel
Vineyards: Solaksen Vineyard
AVA: Royal Slope
Alcohol: 12.3%
