The 2023 vintage was distinct for our Carneros Chardonnay. A cold winter and above-average rainfall led into a cool spring, which delayed our growing season by over three weeks. Even through the primary maturing period of the summer, temperatures continued to be mild. It feels contradictory, but during harvest sometimes bravery is displayed through patience, and 2023 was a year that rewarded such action. We left this Chardonnay on the vine until mid-November before harvesting by hand at night, maximizing flavor development. This was almost our latest harvest on record, of any variety.

This ZD Carneros Reserve Chardonnay is an example of how a cooler vintage can produce a wine with fantastic concentration of ripe fruit characters and bright, natural acidity. Crafted from a blend of organically certified vineyards, with ZD’s own Carneros Estate Wood clone making a significant contribution, the wine was cold fermented in 100% American Oak barrels without malo-lactic fermentation. 15 months of extended aging in barrel enhanced the texture and added complexity to this distinctive Chardonnay.

Aromas of candied lemon zest and tropical pineapple, with hints of orange blossom, apricot, and sweet, toasty vanilla bean, lead to a palate that explodes with forward fresh fruit, bright acidity, subtle oak notes, and a long finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now and will develop in the bottle for many years.