Walter Hansel'Cahill Lane' Chardonnay 2016

At Walter Hansel Winery, the emphasis is on low yields (a miniscule range from 1.5 to 2.7 tons/acre) for greater complexity. Since all their grapes are grown on their own property, they can exercise strict control in the vineyards, which are planted with 5 Pinot and 5 Chardonnay clones. Each clone was chosen for its specific acid and flavor variations. The 2016 Cahill Lane Chardonnay, is 100% Wente clone consisting of "chicken and eggs"; that is, large and tiny berries packed together in each cluster. This is usually the last block to be harvested so it derives much of its richness from an extended hang time. The 2016 Chardonnay Cahill Lane "gives up loads of honeyed peaches and ripe apple notes with touches of nutmeg, baking bread and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with layer upon layer of bread, nut and stone fruit flavors, supported by bright, refreshing acid and a creamy texture, finishing with fantastic length." 94 Points, Robert Parker.