2021 Black Kite Cellars Jasper Freestone Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions from start to finish, which is why this vintage is being rated the best in the last 20 years. With minimal rainfall in the early months of the year and mild temperatures in spring and early summer, the vines had normal bud break in mid-March and successful flowering in June. The remainder of the season was moderate and stable, allowing us to leave the fruit on the vines as long as we wished to ripen optimally with good acidity. These ideal growing conditions gave us marvelous depth of flavor, bright acidity, and great balance and structure, and they promise to improve with cellaring as well.

With the low-yielding conditions and the mix of Dijon clones in our blocks of this highly regarded vineyard, our 2021 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay has a wonderful combination of balance and complexity. Aromas of lemon oil, Golden delicious Apple and classic mineral seashell are noticeable at first. Then the palate has incredible depth with fruit flavors of Honeycrisp apple, white peach, and Asian pear. The wine has a long and weighted finish that lingers with notes of nutmeg, a fresh-baked pie annd vanilla bean. Enjoy upon release or hold for 7-10 years.