Appearance: Clear, brilliant pale gold with slight green highlights
Nose: Expressive aromas of fresh golden apple, ripe pear, and Meyer lemon with subtle notes of white peach, honeysuckle, and a touch of vanilla bean. Hints of toasted almond, wet stone, and light oak spice add complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied with excellent balance between fruit and acidity. Flavors of crisp apple, citrus, and stone fruit are complemented by nuanced oak-derived notes of vanilla cream and toast. The texture is silky yet vibrant, showing restraint and elegance with a refined creamy quality.
Finish: Long and refreshing with persistent fruit, subtle oak integration, and a clean mineral character that carries through to the end
Producer: Freemark Abbey (part of Jackson Family Wines since 2006) Appellation: Napa Valley, California Vintage: 2022 Varietal: 100% Chardonnay Vineyard Sources: Select vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley Soil: Varied, including volcanic, alluvial, and loamy soils Climate: Warm days and cool nights with some cooling influence from San Pablo Bay Harvest: Hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours Fermentation: Predominantly barrel fermented with a small portion in stainless steel Malolactic Fermentation: Partial (approximately 50-60%) to maintain freshness while adding complexity Aging: 8-10 months in French oak barrels (approximately 30% new) Alcohol: 14.0% ABV Production: Approximately 8,000-10,000 cases Suggested drinking window: 2023-2028
Freemark Abbey, one of Napa Valley's historic wineries dating back to 1886, has a legacy of producing balanced, age-worthy wines. While particularly known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, their Chardonnay program showcases the same commitment to quality and balanced expression.
The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley was characterized by a relatively mild growing season after some early spring frost concerns. Summer provided steady, moderate temperatures allowing for gradual and even ripening. These favorable conditions resulted in Chardonnay with excellent natural acidity, pure fruit expression, and balanced ripeness.
Winemaker Kristy Melton continues Freemark Abbey's tradition of creating wines that balance California fruit expression with restraint and elegance. Their Chardonnay exhibits a thoughtful approach to oak integration, providing complexity without overwhelming the fruit character.
Best served chilled but not too cold, approximately 50-55°F (10-13°C), to allow the full range of aromatics and flavors to shine. If stored in a refrigerator, remove 15-20 minutes before serving.
