2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay Huichica Hills Vineyard
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This Chardonnay comes from the historic Huichica Hills Vineyard in the cool heart of Carneros. Grown in clay loam soils with ideal east-west row orientations, Huichica Hills’ developed Chardonnay vines produce small clusters and berries, resulting in beautiful concentration and complexity. Fermented on the lees in the finest French oak, the result is a crisp, mineral-driven wine, alluring layers of Anjou pear, white nectarine and citrus blossom.
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Enthusiast
91
James Suckling
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes
Enticing aromas of stone fruit, lemongrass and Key lime leap from the glass, underscored by hints of graham cracker and limestone. On the palate, bright acidity adds energy and poise to silky layers of ripe white nectarine, lemon curd and vanilla before carrying the wine to an elegant finish with lingering notes of citrus and wet slate.
Production
For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Huichica Hills Vineyard
Acid
0.67 g/100 ml
pH
3.52
Aging
Aged in 100% French oak 30% new, 20% second vintage, 50% neutral
Fermentation
22%
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Enthusiast
91
James Suckling
93