The 2017 growing season saw the return to a normal Napa Valley climate after years of drought. A much-needed wet winter was followed by a mild spring, giving the vines excellent growing conditions. Mostly even weather with a few pronounced warm days around Labor Day helped develop a rich, concentrated flavor in the grapes, but led to a slightly reduced crop size.

This release is the unveiling of ZD’s redesigned packaging in celebration of our 50th anniversary, and is in honor of our dedication to quality, consistency, and style.

This ZD Carneros Reserve Chardonnay is a blend from several organically certified vineyards with ZD’s own Carneros Estate making up the majority of the blend. Hand harvested under the cool cover of night at optimal maturity, the wine was cold fermented in 100% American Oak barrels with no malo-lactic fermentation, giving this wine a nice balance of intense, ripe fruit and bright, natural acidity. 15 months of extended aging in barrel helped round out the texture and added complexity to this distinctive Chardonnay.

Aromas of ripe apricot and pear with hints of orange blossom, lime zest, and sweet, toasty vanilla mingle with a palate that bursts with bright fruit, lively acidity, and subtle oak notes. This wine is drinking wonderfully now and will continue to develop for many years. Only 32 barrels were produced.