Carpe Diem Chardonnay

Anderson Valley, California, United States

Vintage:2019 (Past)

2018 (Past) | 2020 (Current)

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Carpe Diem Chardonnay  2019
  • W&S 92
  • JS 90

Reviews

Wine & Spirits

92 Points

October 2022, Josh Greene

“This wine’s sapid fruit edges toward the red hues of a peach, with toasty notes of sesame and a cool crunchiness, like seaweed, lending structure to its fruit. There’s a fresh nuttiness in the end, for chicken or gamier birds braised with apricots.”

JamesSuckling.com

90 Points

November 20, 2021, James Suckling

“Grassy on the nose with notes of pink and yellow grapefruit, rosemary and cinnamon, too. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Bright and refreshing on the palate with a bit of white pepper coming in at the finish. Drink now.”

Overview

Carpe Diem Chardonnay is produced in Northern California‘s Anderson Valley. Over the years, this region has gained the reputation of an ideal terroir to grow Chardonnay for still wines. Grapes for the Carpe Diem Chardonnay are selected exclusively from the best vineyards in Northern California‘s cool Anderson Valley. This fog-shrouded region not far from Mendocino Coast and the Pacific Ocean provides ideal growing conditions for these delicate grapes.

Vinified under the meticulous supervision of Domaine Anderson‘s winemaker Darrin Low, Carpe Diem‘s philosophy is to offer the best of two worlds: the richness of California fruit and the elegance of a French wine.

Winemaking

Picked at night to conserve cool temperatures before loading and pressing grapes whole cluster/whole berry. Dijon clones and heritage selections are represented from five estate vineyard sites traversing the idyllic Anderson Valley. Naturally occurring native yeast fermented 24% in closed-top stainless steel tanks and 76% in mostly neutral French oak barrels; 20% new French oak barrels were used.

A cool and slow natural flora malolactic fermentation completed the following spring 2020. Wines were barrel-aged for 10 months to further conserve freshness and balance oak impact. Lightly filtered. 

Tasting Notes

Impressive pale-yellow, dry-straw color. Bright and fresh aromas of honeydew and ripe apple. A smooth mouthfeel and texture frame expressive flavors of white nectarine and grilled peach. Pleasant and juicy, soft and well-coated on the palate. Strikes a balance with crisp acidity and ripe finish.

Food Pairing

This Chardonnay will pair beautifully with grilled grilled swordfish with tomatoes, parsley, and lemon, roasted herb chicken, pasta alfredo, chicken tikka masala and blue cheese or Bleu d'Auvergne. 

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Wine Alcohol: 13.1%

Titratable Acidity: 5.9 g/L

pH: 3.41

Bottling Date: July 2020

New Oak: 20%

Aging: 10 months in barrel

Cases Produced: 2,200