2017 Chardonnay, Cuvee Ann
This bottling is dedicated to my mother Ann Davis, who passed away in February 2012 from complications with Alzheimer’s.
The product of an extremely hot growing season, the 2017 Cuvee Ann brings lush, round ripeness balanced by the ocean-infused terroir of the Manchester Ridge site. This bottling leads with lovely ripe Gravenstein apple, shortbread, Meyer lemon blossom and Key lime on the nose, followed by notes of warm spice and vanilla from time in barrel. In the mouth, it is round and expressive. The fullness and ripeness of the fruit is balanced by a delightful acidity that washes over the palate, much like a wave on the shore, bringing with it the power, salinity and minerality of this oceanfront vineyard. The finish lingers with green apple skin and flakey biscuit. Though drinking beautifully upon release, those with patience will be rewarded as more secondary notes of apricot and marzipan emerge with another 5-6 years of aging past vintage date.