What makes this Chardonnay different from the wine we label as
Première Reserve? First, the
Reserve was produced from 100% Philo-grown Chardonnay whereas 28% of this
Mendocino bottling was produced from grapes grown in Potter Valley. Potter Valley's climate is warmer with a shorter grape-growing season than Philo resulting in a flavor profile that tends to suggest red apple and melon rather than Philo's poached pear and citrus flavors. Second, all the wine for the
Reserve underwent a malolactic fermentation while only 25% of this bottling did. Third, 25% of the
Reserve was aged in new barrels, adding a toasty element, whereas all the wines in the
Mendocino were aged in seasoned barrels and puncheons. This bottling sports a wider range of Chardonnay's fruit flavors with a decreased emphasis on flavors derived from the French oak barrels.
Deborah washing a Chardonnay barrel, 1979.
We've been making Chardonnay at Navarro for a long time!