2015 Harmony Chardonnay

The Vintage

With a warm spring, the vines got off to an early start. The weather turned cool during bloom, impacting fruit set, resulting in fewer grapes per cluster. The size of the crop was further reduced as the dry soils, from the lack of late rains, led to smaller grapes. The weather was warm throughout the summer, keeping the vines running early, right into one of our earliest harvests ever. The resulting wines are fantastic as the smaller grapes and fine weather contributed ideal ripeness with very concentrated flavors.

The Wine

A model of finesse, this Chardonnay opens with lush aromas of apple, peach and melon. The entry is creamy and smooth with a hint of pineapple. Notes of almond and toasted brioche, from the careful use of oak, add layers of complexity to the palate. The bright finish, with a touch of citrus, makes this wine classic Trefethen.

Clonal Composition

97% Old Wente Hens and Chicks, 2% Clone 809 and 1% Wente Musque

Food Affinities

This Chardonnay is best with delicate but rich food featuring almonds, hazelnuts, chopped tarragon or lemon thyme. Focus on richer fish dishes, pork, chicken and anything in a mushroom cream sauce.

Accolades

95 POINTS (v. 2013)
“An impeccably balanced and suave wine that will impress many Chardonnay haters...Appropriately named, Harmony is just that with richness, elegance and refreshment in one package.”
Linda Murphy, Wine Review Online  August 2015

92 POINTS (v. 2013) California Grapevine  August 2015

4+ STARS (v. 2012)
Ronn Wiegand, Restaurant Wine

EXCEPTIONAL (v. 2009)
“An amazingly complete wine...”
Dan Berger, Vintage Experiences

92 Points (v. 2008)
“Achieving great loveliness in its rich and balanced blend… this wine has both depth and manners.”
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine