Wyncroft 2022 Chardonnay, Lemon-Singer Lake Vineyard

Item Number: 20225

UPC: 0-866572000479

Country: USA
Region: Michigan
Sub Region: Lake Michigan Shore
Appellation/AVA: Lake Michigan Shore
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2022
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13
pH: 3.35
Soil Type: Rich clay loam

Vineyard Notes: This vineyard is located West of Berrien Springs near the corner of Lemon Creek and Singer Lake Roads on the west facing slope of the moraine about seven miles from the Lake Michigan. The soil is a rich clay loam. The vineyard was planted in 1995 by Jeff Lemon, third generation of well-known fruit farmers in the area and owner/winemaker of Lemon Creek Winery. Jeff was inspired by Wyncroft's 1987 Gold Medal winning barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the old Madron Lake Hills property near Buchanan and has been a friend and colleague since 1983. Jeff planted the vineyard with the newly available Dijon clones 95 and 96.

Winemaking Notes: The grapes were harvested on September 23 at perfect maturity. They were slowly whole-cluster pressed into a refrigerated tank to settle clear overnight. The next morning the clear sweet juice was put into Cadus tight grained French oak barrels and inoculated with CY 3079 Burgundian yeast. Two barrels were made, one new and the second neutral four-year-old. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation with weekly battonage and allowed to rest on its lees until it was lightly filtered and bottled.

Tasting Notes: The wine has a brilliant greenish straw yellow color with a nose of fresh yellow apple and poached pear. The mouthfeel is silky but crisp with intense flavors echoing the aromas with an overlay of crème brûlée and lemon curd in the finish. The wine finished with a low pH of 3.35 which bodes well for additional cellaring and flavor development, though it is already beginning to drink very well.