We are excited to release our 2021 Carneros Reserve Chardonnay! After another growing season with very little rainfall and moderate weather throughout, the vines adapted quite well. While the crop was light in most vineyards, the clusters and berries were also small and packed with intense flavor and bright, natural acidity.

This ZD Carneros Reserve Chardonnay is a blend from several certified organic vineyards, including ZD’s own Carneros Estate. 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. Extended aging for 15 months in barrel helped round out the texture and added complexity to this distinctive Chardonnay.

Elegant flavors of baked pear, lime, honeysuckle, and dried apricot are hallmarks of this wine. With notes of rich, creamy vanilla and subtle molasses, the palate is as ripe as it is unctuous. The well-balanced wine leads into a beautiful, lingering finish. Only 32 barrels were produced.