Single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, the cool, bay-influenced stretch straddling southern Napa and Sonoma that has long suited the grape, bottled under the Nickel & Nickel label in this 2024 vintage. Carneros Chardonnay tends toward bright acidity and orchard-fruit character, a style built more on freshness than weight.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Color | White |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Carneros |
| Producer | Nickel & Nickel |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Nickel & Nickel's Berlenbach Vineyard Chardonnay was aged 10 months in 20% new French oak, with minimal stirring and no malolactic fermentation. The grapes were sourced from the 7ha Berlenbach site, owned by the Far Niente family, located on the east side of Coombsville with a picturesque western exposure. The vineyard's soils consist of volcanic ash, gravel, and well-draining loam, making it the coolest site they harvest from—a characteristic reflected in the wine's vibrant freshness. The finished wine exhibits crisp, crunchy acidity and a cool, wet slate minerality. Elegant baking spice notes intermingle with crunchy yellow apple, firm, ripe pear, and subtle wildflower nuances. A hint of mountain grass and crushed salted Marcona almonds adds depth to the medium-bodied finish, making this Chardonnay both refined and expressive. (Decanter, December 2024)
The freshness and pure fruit flavors of this generous wine ring clear as a bell. Crisp green apples, Bosc pears and subtle oak spices like vanilla bean and toasted almonds fill the palate. While medium-bodied, it feels full and generous and has a lingering finish. Drink now or hold. (James Suckling)