This wine is always a selection from the following blocks: Block 9C and 9E, planted in 1974 with the “KD” selection on St. George roots. Block 19, planted in 1996 with Dijon 96, also on St. George roots. Block 20, planted in 1992 to Dijon 95, St. George roots. “KD” stands for Keane Dimmick, a longtime neighbor, grower and friend. Keane’s “selection” for Block 9 was sourced from an old, low-yielding “Old Wente”-type vineyard. Concentrated and complex flavors make this block endlessly fascinating from a winemaking perspective. The Barrel Fermented Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and then cold-settled. It is fermented exclusively in barrel, sur lie, or on the yeast, in the same French oak barrels for 11 months, without racking. The Chardonnay undergoes frequent bâtonnage (stirring by hand). Approximately one-third to one-half of the barrels are new each year. Notably, the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay does not undergo any malolactic fermentation, important for retaining its food-friendly malic acidity. Pale gold color. Bright, lemony, apple and floral aromas paired with faintly herbal fresh hay and moderate toasty oak. Soft, silky entry. Medium-bodied, balanced, even palate coverage. Flavors of baked granny smith apples, lemon tart and a pleasant saline quality. A softer palate impression than the 2022. Mild to moderate acidity. Pair with seared scallops, lemon-rosemary chicken, mussels in a garlicky broth with well-buttered grilled bread.
