Wyncroft 2022 Chardonnay, Gabrielow Vineyard, Fennville

Item Number: 20226

UPC: 0-866572000479

Country: USA
Region: Michigan
Sub Region: Lake Michigan Shore
Appellation/AVA: Fennville
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2022
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14
pH: 3.33
Soil Type: Glacial moraine
Case Production: 25

Vineyard Notes: Michael Gabrielow (pronounced Gab-ree-ELL-off) is an old Polish Chicago immigrant engineer turned farmer whose farm and vineyard are located just north of South Haven on Blue Star Highway in the Fennville AVA. Michael was also inspired by Wyncroft's 1987 Madron Lake Hills Chardonnay and has been a friend and neighbor since James Lester moved the winery from Buchanan to Casco Township.

Gabrielow Vineyard is located a mile from Lake Michigan on a high clay bluff where the constant breezes create a cool but sunny site perfect for quality Chardonnay. The one acre plot of Chardonnay is planted with the well known high quality Dijon clone 76 which is ubiquitous in the Burgundian villages of Meursault and Puligny. Not surprisingly, the wine from this site resembles Meursault and Puligny, but with a bigger body and texture.

Winemaking Notes: The winemaking is the same for Gabrielow Vineyard and Lemon-Singer Lake. It was fermented in a new Cadus French oak barrel. Only one barrel was produced, and only 5 cases made it to Illinois.

Tasting Notes: The Chardonnay shows only subtle oak flavors. It has a pale limpid straw color leading to a young reticent nose of Pink Lady apple and firm pear. The mouthfeel is full and silky with a savory apple crisp and fresh pear combination with notes of lemon followed by a very long finish that adds honeyed sesame. Imagine baklava without any sugar. The wine will cellar well.