2022 Westside Farms Vineyard Chardonnay

The 2022 Chardonnay Westside Farms Vineyard comes from grapes planted in 1989 on silty loam soils on Westside Road. The grapes were harvested on August 19, before the Labor Day heat wave, and the wine was barrel-fermented. Matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels, it has slowly unfurling aromas of peach, ginger, cashew, honey and matchstick. The palate balances lush, honeyed flavors with fresh acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish.

The 2022 Chardonnay Westside Farms is a bright yellow/straw color, while the nose takes on more depth and a layered feel in its notes of beeswax, poached apples, elegant baking spice, wet river rock, and fresh flowers. The palate is packed with energy, and while it’s full-bodied, it has fantastic drive and a core of bright, tightly wound, laser-focused acidity driving the long, balanced finish. It will take another year or more to unwind and will improve over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2040.

Full bottle 1,352 g. Spring Mountain selection planted in 1989. Fruit harvested 19 August. Whole-cluster pressed. Ambient-yeast fermentation and malolactic conversion in 20% new French oak, remainder neutral. Lees stirred. Aged 20 months. Medium lemon. Tight and closed on the nose but with distinct chalky minerality. A light musk and lemon pith to the palate. Densely textured but not extraordinarily giving at the moment. (SCJ)