The growing season was one of the coolest in recent memory and marked the third year of drought conditions. The summer had rain and cool temperatures during bloom with clouds and fog until nearly 2 p.m. almost all season long. It produced a small, flavorful crop that ripened late. This kept our Estate Chardonnay grape sugars low and acids high, with full flavor development from long ripening, making a bright and well-defi ned wine. Harvest was not completed until October 23.

This vintage produced a beautiful, pale golden wine. Crisp Macintosh apple, limoncello, and pear fruit notes form the central fruit core. These are followed by a touch of vanilla, ginger and butterscotch - a perfect marriage of bright acidity with rich flavor. The hallmark Bouchaine sueded texture persists in a longlasting finish.

Bouchaine is the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros, a region located on the southern tip of Napa Valley. Over the years, the Copelands continued to update the property, expanding the vineyards to 100 acres, and invested their time and passion into building a sustainable, family-owned estate. Bouchaine Vineyards lies on the Southern border of Napa Valley, adjacent to the Napa-Sonoma Marsh State Wildlife Area with over 100 bucolic acres surrounding the winery. This unique geographical location is the most renowned region in the Napa Valley for Pinot Noir. The Carneros fog, wind and cool temperatures help our grapes develop bright and crisp characteristics typical of the region.

A variety of yeast and malolactic bacteria strains contribute a range of subtle flavor variations. Couple this with the influences of oak barrels of different ages, toast levels, and origins.The results is an intriguingly complex chardonnay experience.