Madson Wines - Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2022 750ml (12.6% ABV)
a Meursault -esque Chard. - big & opulent while still fresh and food friendly, honeysuckle, ocean spray, lemon crumb cake, nectarine, white lilies, jasmine, just a touch of salty popcorn kernels without being legit buttery, bright acidity
"This cuvée is a celebration of Chardonnay in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The grapes come from several small organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation. While each site brings its unique mountain micro-climate signature to the blend, the commonalities these vineyards share are low nitrogen, high calcium soils, and a cool climate during growing season. These factors limit yields and increase the depth and mineral concentration of these bright, flinty chardonnays. Proximity to the Monterey Bay yields fresh saline wine. All vineyards are farmed using organic practices. " - Madson
“I’ve moved completely way from tank fermentation,” says Thomas. “I prefer the complexity and the nuances of barrel fermentation. For each vineyard, we’ll have multiple fermentations, instead of just a single one.” There’s also the issue of tank space and the fact that all these small lots are more suited to the confines of a barrel than the head space of a half empty tank.
“At our scale, there’s no reason to take any short cuts!” he adds.
vineyards that are typically included in this cuvee: Arey, Misty Gulch, Toyon, PM Staiger, Ascona
vegan friendly
only 1652 bottles produced
region: Santa Cruz Mtns, CA, USA
varietal: Chardonnay
style: white
farming/cellar: organic, We directly press our Chardonnay and move the juice into neutral French oak barrels. Native fermentations occur in barrels where the wine remains for 6-9 months before racking to stainless steel tanks for an additional 4 months. Multiple barrel fermentations increase complexity and flavor. Please expect some solids and tartrates in the bottle. We made this wine thoughtfully to show itself best with age. Enjoy now or cellar 5-8 years for savoring at its peak.
pairing: shellfish, white fish, and impromptu beach days.