Old Stage Monterey Chardonnay 2019

The fruit comes from the estate Grava vineyard, which is one of the most northerly plantings in Monterey County. It nestles up to the Gabilan Mountain Range on the eastern side of the Salinas Valley, approximately 10 miles from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The marine influence of the nearby Monterey Bay and the morning fog, which clears for the afternoon sun, results in a cool microclimate and a long hang-time for the fruit. The grapes reflect the cool climate, with complex aromatics, flavours, and natural balancing acidity. The vineyard is cultivated sustainably and is certified by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance. Vines are VSP trained and pruned to two bud spurs spaced approximately 10cm apart; the vines are shoot-thinned, leaf-pulled, and shoots are positioned with wire moves. These methods ensure adequate sunlight for optimising fruit-forward expression in the wines.