Today, we can still enjoy these beautiful and powerful wines from Napa Cellars. The winemaker currently at the helm is Mr. Joe Shirley. Joe graduated from the world-renowned Master of Enology program at the University of California, Davis, and has nearly 20 vintages under his belt. In 2007, he became head winemaker at Napa Cellars, where he employs a distinctly minimalist approach, letting the vineyards and grapes speak for themselves. "I try not to put a big winemaker's signature on my wines," says Joe. "The terroir of the vineyards here is so diverse, so extraordinary; I simply guide the wine toward the purest interpretation of California." A winemaker after our own hearts, and you can taste it!
This white wine is made from Napa Valley's finest Chardonnay bunches. These are grown in the southern part of Napa Valley, where the influence of the fog and breezes of San Francisco and Marin Bay is clearly noticeable. The cool climate gives the winemaker a very full and powerful harvest. Once ripe, the harvest is harvested entirely by hand and rigorously selected. Only the finest bunches are bottled, but before that, this Napa Cellars Chardonnay is aged for an impressive eight months in oak barrels. About a quarter of the barrels are new, unused, so the oak influence is immediately noticeable in this beautiful, full-bodied Chardonnay.
Upon pouring, we knew for sure: a full-bodied wine, as we discovered a beautiful golden yellow color with a thick structure. The aroma was captivating, with hints of tropical fruit, vanilla, oak, roasted nuts, and a touch of exotic fruit. It was pure indulgence, and the palate felt the same. The palate was teased by soft, full notes of red apple, peach, and vanilla. The oak aging was clearly noticeable. Beautiful, ripe flavors of tropical fruit complemented by notes of nuts, vanilla, oak, and a touch of spice. The finish was long and very ripe, with abundant tropical fruit.
