Chardonnay Estate, DuMOL 2023

Made entirely from Hyde and Mt. Eden clones, the 2023 Chardonnay DuMOL Estate Vineyard is creamy, layered and oily, qualities that are very much front and center. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, truffle and tangerine oil all build in the glass, while floral overtones lend nuance. Time in the glass brings out the wine's textural density and volume.

The higher elevation cousin to the Bressay, the 2023 Chardonnay DuMol Estate comes from a two-acre section of the vineyard planted to the Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay. From this protected, tree-shaded site with high-density spacing (which ripens about a week later), the wine displays a bright yellow color and offers a wonderful, focused drive on the nose, with notes of fresh ginger, fresh apples, lime, and saline. It has a compact core with good density, although it ultimately showcases its more cool-vintage character with its vibrant energy and persistent length.

The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from high-density Mt. Eden vines. Grapes were harvested from September 23 to October 1, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 26% new French oak cigare barrels, followed by six months in tank. It has a kaleidoscopic perfume of crème brûlée, panna cotta and matchstick, melon, nectarine and orange peel. The full-bodied palate is incredibly powerful and concentrated, and its exotic, tropical flavors are delivered in a luxurious, satiny texture. It's balanced by vibrant acidity and has an epically long finish. 800 cases were made.