Vintage
2018
2018 Pearl Chardonnay
In Stock
This limited-edition Chardonnay belongs to our Pearl Collection, which is dedicated to small-lot wines that represent our finest winemaking efforts. Our estate Margarita Vineyard is situated in the coolest area of Paso Robles, providing ideal conditions for growing authentic Chardonnay.
Aging
11 months in French Oak (30% new)
Alcohol %
14.1
Food Pairing Notes
Enjoy this full-bodied Chardonnay with creamy pasta, grilled citrus chicken, butterpoached scallops and roast salmon.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Chardonnay is loaded with vibrant pineapple aromas accented by notes of
honey, caramel and browned butter. A smooth, viscous texture delivers opulent flavors
of peach, citrus and tropical fruits with hints of vanilla spice. Counterbalancing acidity
brings symmetry to the palate and powers a long, focused finish.
Vineyard Notes
The 2018 Chardonnay comes predominantly from blocks 20, 25 and 26, which are rooted in granitic soils amid one of Margarita Vineyard’s coolest locations. Margarita Vineyard is nestled into the rugged Santa Lucia Mountain range in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. The mountain peaks act as a gateway for cool marine air, resulting in an extended growing season that yields fruit with uncommon depth and structure. The peaks are also testaments to the tectonic forces that created Margarita Vineyard’s rare diversity of
soils, ultimately fostering natural complexity in our wines.
Production Notes
This 2018 Chardonnay is nothing short of a showstopper for those who enjoy a full-throttle Chardonnay experience. We held nothing back on the making of this wine. The fruit was picked in stages, with the early picks establishing a base of fruit
vibrancy, followed by a late final pick to incorporate rich tropical flavors. After gentle destemming and pressing, the juice was cold settled and fermented exclusively in 30 percent new barrels over a period of 10 days. The wine was aged sur lie for 11 months, with monthly lees stirring to accentuate the wine’s texture and mouthfeel. Every barrel underwent secondary malolactic fermentation to soften the profile and impart a sense of creaminess to the palate. The result is a Chardonnay that is unabashedly rich
without sacrificing balance.