2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Carneros 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 Enthusiast
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes
This alluring wine displays a lovely bouquet of fresh orange blossom, pear, vanilla and white peach, with subtle layers of lime zest and candied pineapple emerging as it opens up. The palate is lively and bright, revealing energetic layers of fruit and flowers with hints of toasted brioche and crushed rock lingering throughout a long, lush finish.
Production
In terms of overall weather, most of the 2020 growing season was excellent. Following a relatively dry winter, budbreak started early, and the temperatures throughout spring and summer were mild and temperate. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and supple, fleshy textures. In late September, harvest was impacted by the outbreak of wildfires and the arrival of hot weather. The elevated temperatures gave many vineyards a final push to ripeness as we worked to bring in the grapes. During this period, we did extensive testing to ensure quality, excluding any fruit that did not meet our standards. While our meticulous selection process resulted in a smaller 2020 crop, the wines we produced live up to the Duckhorn name, displaying beautiful aromas, soft elegant textures, lively complexity and lush flavors.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Carneros
Vineyard Designation
Huichica Hills Vineyard
Acid
0.54 g/100ml
pH
3.56
Aging
Aged in 100% French oak 15% new, 25% second vintage, 60% neutral
Fermentation
40% malolactic fermentation
Alcohol %
14.30
Wine Enthusiast
93