Chardonnay 2022

Elizabeth Spencer's Chardonnay comes from vineyards in Mendocino County, north of Napa Valley, California. These plots benefit from the refreshing influence of the Pacific Ocean, with morning fogs and significant temperature variations that promote a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. The varied soils, mixing alluvium, gravel, and clay, allow for a beautiful diversity of varietal expressions while maintaining a natural freshness characteristic of this coastal wine-growing area.

The Chardonnay grapes from Elizabeth Spencer are harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed before a careful settling. Fermentation proceeds slowly, mostly in French oak barrels, with a variable proportion of new wood to preserve the balance between freshness and aromatic complexity. Aging on fine lees then prolongs maturation, with periodic bâtonnage to add volume and texture, until bottling, aiming to preserve the purity of the fruit and the precision of the Californian terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe apple, juicy pear, and citrus, complemented by floral touches of white flowers and honeysuckle, as well as spicy and woody nuances of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and toasted oak. The palate presents a creamy texture balanced by a lively acidity, with a harmonious structure and a fresh and persistent finish that highlights the purity of the fruit.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.