2017 The Barrel Climber - 43 bottles found in cellar

Chardonnay

SONOMA COASTsonoma county

ALLOCATION LIST: $54.00
RETAIL: $60.00

ALLOCATION LIST ONLY BOTTLING

Tasting Notes

Situated high up on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain, we’ve been working with Fallenleaf vineyard for several years now as a component of our 1KM West Chardonnay. For the 2017 vintage it proved itself absolutely spectacular and a particular puncheon was an easy standout for our Barrel Climber bottling.

Tightly planted to one of our longtime favorite Chardonnay clones, Old Wente, Fallenleaf produces fruit akin to what we used to receive from (the lamentably defunct) Green Acres Hill. Fans of that wine will recognize the loads of succulent citrus oil, crunchy apple and stone fruit and long lemon curd finish. Natural power abounds but the crisp-yet-balanced acid structure provides an excellent, refreshing finish. Absolutely delicious. 

Handling in the cellar was minimal: Racked only once from its new, carefully-matched puncheon and bottled unfiltered to retain all the magic. As a result, the appearance might be a tad hazy in the glass, but not to worry − we meant to do that!

While quite approachable now, please do sock some away to follow the inevitably gorgeous evolution if you have both the space and the patience. It will be well worth it!

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