2018 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay
Estate Grown
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Olivet Lane Vineyard
Harvest Date
October 20, 2018
Acid
5.86 g/L
pH
3.48
Aging
21 months in French Oak, 31% New
Bottling Date
July 29, 2020
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Olivet Lane Vineyard
Harvest Date
October 20, 2018
Acid
5.86 g/L
pH
3.48
Aging
21 months in French Oak, 31% New
Bottling Date
July 29, 2020
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Truly a bounty of complexity, the 2018 Olivet Lane Chardonnay jumps into the nose with lemon verbena, pear, sage, nutmeg, nutmeg, and toasted coconut. Upon the first sip, pralines, caramel, baked apples, and star anise ring in symphony with the bright acid, conveying lemon curd, granny smith apple, and white peach.
Vineyard Notes
The Olivet Lane Vineyard, named for the mature olive trees lining the entrance, has been faithfully tended by the Pellegrini family for over 40 years. This prime Russian River Valley property is now expertly managed by 4th generation, Alexia Pellegrini. The Olivet Lane Vineyard is situated in the heart of the Russian River Valley’s low-lying Laguna de Santa Rosa Plain region, distinguished by the maritime fog influence sweeping up from the Pacific through the Petaluma Gap to the South. The cool climate extends the growing season, creating the opportunity for the grapes to ripen slowly and reach their full flavor potential while retaining their natural acidity, producing wines that are elegant and age-worthy.
Winemaker Notes
2018 proved to be a very challenging vintage, but rewarding flavors awaited those who were patient. A cool late summer and fall delayed ripening, and late September rain, left many scrambling to pick their fruit early. But no more rain came until just before Thanksgiving, allowing additional hangtime to further develop flavors. This Chardonnay was split into three distinct fermentation lots, utilizing a selection of different yeasts to create layers of flavors and aromas. Bottling for this lot was delayed due to Covid 19, therefore adding an additional 4 months to its age time, which further developed barrel-driven characteristics and lengthened the finish of this Chardonnay.
Food Pairing Notes
Crepes Savoyarde, also great with medium soft cheese and quince paste.
