TASTE
This unoaked Chardonnay offers aromas of ripe pear and honeydew melon with floral notes. On the palate, the wine opens with bright citrus and tropical flavours, leading to a round mouthfeel balanced by fresh acidity, and a long finish.
PRODUCER
Don’t be fooled by Joel Gott’s casual, easy-going exterior. This fifth- generation West Coast winemaker and restaurateur has remarkable energy and flair when it comes to sourcing and blending, be it the fruit for his ridiculously good-value, expressive wines or indeed the ingredients in the epic fish tacos served at his Gott’s Roadside restaurants. Regretful though we may be that we cannot import the latter, getting access to his wines is fair compensation. The labels reflect the contents: stylish modern classics, restrained and yet with a typical Californian generosity. Joel’s wife Sarah is his director of winemaking, having previously risen to be head winemaker at Joseph Phelps. With this combined pedigree, the resulting wines punch well above their weight.
VINEYARD
Intense fruit flavours and soft texture came from Napa and Monterey fruit, while grapes from Sonoma fruit added minerality and complexity, helping to create a well-balanced wine.
WINERY
The juice was fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks, and aged for around ten months before bottling. The wine did not go through malolactic fermentation.