2023 Matthiasson Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay
£34.50
“The Linda Vista Vineyard, located on the eastern edge of the Oak Knoll District, features alluvium soils of marine origin from Mt. Veeder. This Chardonnay is native yeast barrel-fermented in neutral oak and aged 9 months before bottling, undergoing partial malolactic fermentation and partial bâtonnage. The 2023 Chardonnay, tasted alongside the 2018 vintage, displays similar textural integrity with racy acidity and wet stone minerality. Its youthful fruit character shines, offering notes of on-the-vine apple, citrus, white peach, and apricot, complemented by springtime floral aromas and a lengthy finish of salted Marcona almonds. Winemaker Steve Matthiasson attributes the fruit’s vibrancy and purity to multiple picks throughout the vineyard, allowing for separate ageing of lots, with some undergoing malolactic fermentation and others not, creating complex blending components. The finish is remarkably long, marked by bright, wet stone minerality, fragrant spring flowers, a touch of honey, and crushed almonds.”
96 Points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
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Product Description
From the producer:
- Moderate alcohol and mouthwatering acidity are the Linda Vista trademark, always balanced by the perfect amount of luscious creaminess.
- CCOF Certified Organic grapes. Estate grown using regenerative farming practices. Vegan.
- The pH is 3.48, TA is 7.3 g/L, and the alcohol is 12.5%. 3044 cases produced.
- Barrel fermented, native yeast, no new oak.
In 2011 we leased the old Chardonnay vineyard behind our house and started farming it ourselves. We immediately converted it to organic farming and got busy re-invigorating the beautiful old vines. The West Oak Knoll (Napa Valley) area where we live is one of the classic Chardonnay spots in Napa, going back to the 60s when the climate here was considered too cool for full-bodied reds. The cool winds and marineorigin clay soils preserve zesty acidity and freshness, while the Napa sun provides richness and ripeness. Leasing the vineyard, taking it organic, and farming it ourselves gave us the control to feel comfortable producing a challenging and iconic variety like Chardonnay, where crafting “balance” means walking a razor’s edge in a genre with such iconic examples.
2023 brought a long, even growing season marked by plentiful winter and spring rains and mild weather throughout the year. Moderate temperatures led to the latest harvest of Linda Vista in over a decade. Harvest dates from Linda Vista ranged from September 6th through October 13th. The final blend is composed of nine different picks, with the range of lots allowing us to achieve complexity, completeness, and balance. The earlier harvests contribute acidity and minerality, and the later harvests contribute flesh and richness. We gently whole-cluster press all of the grapes, then ferment and age the wine sur lees in seasoned French oak barrels (no oak flavor), with only native yeast. No racking and minimal battonage (lees stirring) on only selected barrels. 1/3 of the barrels were allowed to go through malolactic fermentation. The moderate alcohol and mouthwatering acidity that is a trademark of that vineyard is very much present, balanced by a ripe, luscious creaminess.
Meyer lemon, golden delicious apples, yellow peaches, musk melon, and honey on the nose. The flavors carry through to the palate, and the vibrant acidity is balanced by beautiful fleshiness, finishing very clean with a lingering minerality. Refreshing with moderate alcohol, this wine is all about pleasure, begging to be drunk up with some oysters or a roast chicken and a big smile.
The vines were originally planted in 1989, and we’re proud to take our turn caring for them as the vineyard reaches true maturity.
Additional Information
| ABV | 12.5% |
|---|---|
| Bottle Size | Bottle 75cl |
| Colour | White |
| Country | USA |
| Critic Score | 96/100 |
| Drink until | 2038 |
| Style | Still |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Vintage | 2023 |
