2022 Alpha & Omega Chardonnay

The 2022 Alpha Omega Chardonnay from Napa Valley exemplifies the winery’s commitment to crafting elegant and balanced wines.

Significant rain in December and relatively dry and mild conditions through March provided

an early bud break followed by alternating warm and cool periods through June, highlighted

by a rare hailstorm in early May. Fortunately, flowering was not affected in our vineyards and

steady summer weather settled in. Drought conditions in previous years and the early start to

this vintage provided excellent physiological development in Chardonnay grapes that possess

bright acidity and freshness, along with concentrated, textured flavors.

Tasting Notes

This Chardonnay greets the senses with rich aromas of golden delicious apple, pineapple, and lemon-lime, complemented by hints of toasted almond, brioche, and hazelnut. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of fruit and subtle oak influences, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.

Sight

Medium yellow with golden highlights

Nose

Rich aromas of golden delicious apple, pineapple and lemon lime supported by

notes of toasted almond, brioche, cedar and hazelnut.

Palate

Fresh, integrated flavors of peach, nectarine and ripe apple, with hints of

toffee, custard, brown butter and ocean spray.

Food Pairing

While specific pairings for the 2022 vintage are not detailed, Chardonnays of this profile typically pair well with dishes such as roasted chicken, creamy pasta, and seafood like lobster or scallops. The wine’s balanced acidity and richness complement these foods, enhancing the overall dining experience. For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay at a cellar temperature of approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vineyard Technical Specifications

Vineyards in the southern portion of the Napa Valley that include the cool-climate sub-

appellations of Carneros, Mount Veeder and Coombsville provided the grapes for this wine.

Breezes from San Pablo Bay are particularly helpful for cooling our Carneros and Coombsville

vineyards, while higher altitudes provide cooler conditions in our Mount Veeder vineyard. In

addition to cool growing conditions, each of these vineyards possess unique soils planted to a

variety of clonal selections which add complexity to this classic expression of Napa Valley

Chardonnay.

Winemaking

After whole cluster pressing, fermentation took place in 100% French oak of which 30%

were new barrels. To soften the impact of oak and preserve freshness, 60% of the barrels were

500-gallon puncheons and 40% barriques. Partial (30%) malolactic fermentation provides a

richer and fuller aspect to the wine that was then aged in the same composition of puncheons

and barriques for 20 months with periodic stirring of the lees.