Mayacamas Vineyards Chardonnay Mount Veeder, USA 2021

Overview of the Wine
Founded in 1889, Mayacamas stands as one of the most storied vineyard and winery operations in the history of American wine. Through its more than 125 years of production, Mayacamas has earned its place as a standard-bearer of traditional winemaking, and the source of some of California’s most iconic and longest-lived bottles.

Named for mountain range that divide the Napa and Sonoma valleys, the old stone winery was dug into the side of a dormant volcano crater in 1889 and has remained in production ever since. For generations, methods and tools have been passed from owner to owner, and the Mayacamas style has remained remarkably consistent.

As the newest owners in a lineage of pioneering caretakers spanning numerous generations, we faithfully steward Mayacamas towards a bright future, ever mindful of the great traditions of the past. Since 2013, our team has worked tirelessly to restore all aspects of the Mayacamas operation, ensuring continued success for this unique American story.

Organic.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Each year we strive to create wines that reflect site, vintage, and style. Our grapegrowing and winemaking processes seek to highlight the intensity and freshness of mountain grown Chardonnay. Our five Chardonnay blocks are spread across the 475-acre Estate at elevations ranging from 1,800 ft to 2,100 ft. There are numerous soil profiles across these blocks, including compressed volcanic ash, fractured volcanic cobbles, gravelly loam, and cobbled clay. The rugged topography and intense exposure result in multiple microclimates where this cool-climate varietal can thrive. Keeping with tradition, the plantings are dominated by a few different variations of the Wente Clone on St. George rootstock. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2013.

The grapes are hand harvested early in morning and delivered to the winery cold to preserve their integrity. Our winemaking team then inspect and sort clusters as we begin the pressing process. We utilize both whole-cluster (85%) and crushed pressing (15%) methods at low pressures in our horizontal tank press. Juice settling and clarification occur at cool temperatures in stainless steel. The juice is then racked off lees and moved to oak cooperage for alcoholic fermentation. Fermentation typically takes two to four weeks at cellar temperature– though each lot has its own unique fermentation dynamics. Bâtonnage may be used with slower fermentations but is not typical. Malolactic fermentation is prohibited.

95 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Chardonnay is a rich, phenolic wine that shows just how distinctive this site is. Rich and layered, with striking intensity, the 2021 is lights out today. Lemon oil, almond, dried flowers and earthy undertones open beautifully with aeration.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chardonnay is made in a crisp, restrained style, spending 12 months in a mix of different barrels, up to 500 liters in volume. Less than 10% are new, and malolactic fermentation is blocked to retain freshness. Melon, pear and citrus notes come through on the nose and medium-bodied palate, while the finish is moderately silky in texture yet zesty, powered by bright lemon-lime notes. Best After 2023.

Product size: 750ml