Chardonnay, Edward James Estate, Russian River Valley

Growing Season

One of the best vintages in recent memory, 2021 will be remembered for its intensely flavored berries, a smooth harvest and most importantly, exquisitely balanced, nuanced, and vivid wines. The season began with historically low rainfall which, coupled with a cold winter, delayed bud break. However, despite the cooler start to the year, the remainder of the season proved to be temperate with no relevant unfavorable weather events. Warm temps and mild May weather conditions, for example, favored a compact bloom and an extremely uniform fruit set with highly desirable small berries and moderately sized, well-spaced clusters. Meanwhile, summers long, cool mornings and warm afternoons permitted the fruit on the vine to take a slow, leisurely ride to full maturityexcellent for the physiological fruit development we prize. Harvest kicked-off punctually at 12:01 am, September 6, and after six glorious weeks, blessed our house with a fine crop of remarkably delicious, energetic, young wines.