Macadamia nut, fresh cocoanut, citrus peel, crème brulèe and apple peel aromas lead into concentrated layers of lemon curd, apple, pear, meringue and caramel flavors.

Wine maker notes

The 2001 Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay is like its predecessors - rich, unctuous, full-bodied and balanced. I call it `essence of Chardonnay` because of its incredible concentration and layers of flavors. I think the key to its balance is the wonderful springy acidity that holds everything in place - there`s a lot going on when you taste it but nothing dominates. This is a wine that is so complex and flavorful, you can go back to it after a big, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon!

Technical notes

Winemaster Ed Sbragia chose to barrel ferment and age the 2001 Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay for almost nine months in custom toasted, new French Nevers oak barrels to encourage nutmeg spice, caramel-vanilla and toasty notes. Malolactic fermentation and weekly lees stirring enhanced the wine`s inherent buttery aromas and flavors, and gave it a creamy, rich, viscous mouthfeel that is balanced by a bright acidity in the back of the palate, pulling all of the flavors into a long finish.

Producer

Beringer Vineyards – The Beginning Our history dates back to the year 1868, when Jacob Beringer, enticed by the splendid opportunities of the new world, sailed from his home in Mainz, Germany to New York. However, New York did not appeal to Jacob and after hearing that the warm and Mediterranean plains of California were quite similar to the vineyards back home, he soon made his way to the Napa Valley. It was here that Jacob Beringer, along with his brother, Frederick Beringer, purchased land for the first Beringer Vineyard in 1875. Beringer Vineyards – Today Beringer Vineyards holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley. It is also one of the very few wineries that survived the draconian prohibition of 1922, which lasted over a decade. The estate is also in the National Register for Historic Places as a historic district, a status it has held since 2001. With its perfect blend of modern technology and age old traditions, Beringer Vineyards still produces memorable wines that continue to bring recognition to the company and all of Napa Valley.