CHARDONNAY

We produce 5 chardonnays from different portions of our vineyards; each from one or more different clones that combined with soil variations provides a variety of flavors.

Vinification: Whole clusters along with de-stemmed grapes are pressed cold for 3 hours; decanted in tank for 24 hours to settle heavy solids, and then transferred to barrel for fermentation and aging. Batonnage or stirring of the lees is performed weekly until all fermentations are complete.

Cuvee Alyce

Produced from the highest elevation and is a product of 3 clones; the Hyde/wente; the Hudson/wente and French Dijon clone 95. These clusters are extremely small and the berries are the size of BB's; offering rich and flavorful wines. My Mom, Alyce, was an exciting Lady with over-the-top energy and appeal. This wine takes after her.

Cahill Lane

My father built Cahill Lane through his original property and my brother and I both built family homes on the Lane. This vineyard block is 100% Wente clone consisting of "chicken and eggs"; that is, large and tiny berries packed together in each cluster. This is usually the last block to be harvested so it derives much of its richness from an extended hang time. 

The North Slope

This vineyard site slopes 40 feet South to North with terrific sun exposure throughout the day and into the sunset. This is a field blend of French clone 95 and clone 76. These wines tend to show their Burgundy heritage.

The Meadows

This is a new vineyard designated offering from 100% Hanzell Selection grown in a low land Meadow contiguous to the Santa Rosa Creek. It is dry farmed each year and requires extensive shoot and crop thinning each year due to the extreme fertile conditions. The result is the most fruit forward, with underlining tropical flavors, then any of our chardonnays.

The Estate Vineyards

All of our wines are Estate grown but this selection benefits from all of our vineyard sites; it does have, however, consist of a high percentage of the original plantings from 1976 and 1989. Large berries and clusters contribute to its great acidity and depth.