Walter Hansel'Cahill Lane' Chardonnay 2017

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 2017 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 2017 'Cahill Lane' Vineyard brings together many of the qualities that make Stephen Hansel's wines so appealing. From Wente clone vines, it features white peach, Bosc pear, gunflint hints and rocky notes with toasty and citrus character. The palate is light to medium-bodied and lightly creamy in texture with concentrated citrus fruits, juicy freshness and a long, saline finish. 810 cases were produced.