2021 Chardonnay

For 2021, our Tin Shack Chardonnay was once again sourced from the absolutely stunning Spear Vineyard.  This will be our fifth year in a row sourcing from the same section of clone 96.   We continue to be drawn to its even ripening quality and because of the steep, north facing hillside it’s planted on.  The clone 96 always strikes a good balance between rich Chardonnay flavor and a bright citrus-oriented acid profile.  This wine was fermented in stainless steel and then spent a year in neutral French oak barrels to help soften its bright acidity and add flavor and aroma from its time on the lees.    2021 was a bit of an odd year in that ripening was slow and late and normally that would be considered a good thing, but it caught us a bit off guard.  We’re so used to the crazy heat spikes that seem to be the new norm and waiting until October to pick Chardonnay (October 6^th to be precise) just seemed a bit odd.  But the result of that extended hang time can be found in the glass.  This wine has wonderful balance and softness while at the same time showcasing great depth and bright, fresh acidity.  This is an intriguing, complex wine that deserves good food and some time in the glass.