2021 Bismark Chardonnay 750ml
2021 HANNA Bismark Chardonnay, Moon Mountain District, 92 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast
Vineyard: Our Bismark Mountain vineyard is high in the Moon Mountain District, above the city of Sonoma and the San Pablo Bay. Here, on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains amid 67 acres of red grapes, we also grow 1000 vines of Chardonnay and 100 vines of Riesling. The Chardonnay was grafted onto a mixed block of Sangiovese and Syrah in 2009 on thin soils composed of volcanic Rhyolitic tuff and lava.
Vintage 2021: Winter 2021 was extremely dry and warm, resulting in an extended bud break and bloom. Crop levels were low in 2021 from a combination of weak spring growth, small clusters, and blustery days. Summer was consistently warm and verasion was early – mid July for the early ripening Bismark Chardonnay. We harvested the grapes on August 23, 2021 at an average 23.1 o Brix, TA 0.76 g/100 mL and pH of 3.51.
Winemaking: We pressed the Chardonnay as whole clusters, to collect limpid juice without bitterness. It was barrel fermented in new and one-year-old barrels, “Petra” one of our Sonoma Cast concrete tanks and “Nuez” our sandstone tank. The wine was sur lie aged for 20 months (with two rackings to assess lees) before blending in February 2023 and bottling in May 2023.
Tasting Notes: Brillant spring yellow, this Chardonnay deliciously trumpets its montane provenance. Aromas of orange blossom, clover honey and white clay effuse. By mouth this viscous, mineral rich gem offers flavors of pistachio, white flowers, lemon custard and hojicha. Deft use of French oak and low alcohol allow this unique chardonnay’s voice to soar.
Variety
96% Chardonnay, 4% Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard Location
Bismark Mountain block 14. Wente clones on 110R
Age of Vines
Planted 1993, grafted 2009
Alcohol 13.8%
pH 3.58
Titratable Acidity (TA)
0.68 g/100 mL
Residual Sugar
0.01%
Harvest Date
August 23, 2021
Brix at Harvest 23.1o
Ferment. Temp.
Cellar Temp ~58 o F
Malolactic fermentation 100%
Length/Type of Aging
20 months on lees in 16% new acacia & French oak barrels, 20% one-year-old oak barrels, and tanks “Petra” and “Nuez”
Bottling Date
May 11, 2023
Number of Cases
304
Vegan