Ernest Vineyards Joyce Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 750ml

On the ridge just above Freestone Valley, linked together in chilly fog, sits Joyce Vineyard. Ernest leased and began farming the site organically in 2017. At only 3-acres and planted entirely to Chardonnay, it the smallest property we farm and one of the very coldest. Goldridge soil predominates and Clone 5 of Chardonnay will perennially deliver citrus flavors and bright acidity in this environment. A pale-yellow, white gold hue chardonnay with powerful aromas. Notes of green apple, citrus cream, minerals, and a “coolness” of style. On the palate, the wine displays delicacy, but piercing acidity with sour green apples and Meyer lemon flavors. The minerality peaking through the mid-palate has the freshness of morning fog followed by delicate marks of wild herbs. This wine is delicious and vibrant now but it will definitely benefit from a bit of aging, which will just add to the complexity with more balance and nuance.