Artesa 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve

Artesa Vineyards & Winerys roots date back to the 1980s when the Ravents family, heirs of the Spanish winemaking dynasty Codornu, began to acquire and develop vineyard land in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Originally opened as a sparkling wine house-Codornu Napa-in 1991, the winery ultimately transitioned to producing still wines as successive vintages revealed the quality and potential of the familys vineyard holdings. The winery was renamed ArtesaCatalan for handcraftedin 1997, and has since become a leading producer of limited-production artisan wines from the varietals for which Carneros is best knownChardonnay and Pinot Noir.One of Artesas most distinctive features is its hillside winery in Carneros, an avant-garde structure conceived to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Designed by renowned Barcelona architect Domingo Triay and executed by Napa architect Earl R. Bouligny, the striking winery is set into the highest hill of Artesas 350-acre estate, its rooftop concealed by a protective covering of native grasses. With fountains, sculpture and modern art gracing its outdoor spaces and light-filled tasting room, Artesa is one of most visited wineries in Napa Valley.

Alcohol percentage: 15.2

Tasting Notes

The Estate Reserve Chardonnay is created from the best vineyard blocks on our Estate. We make wine from each block which becomes the components for creating the final blend. When combined, each component offers specific aroma and flavor characteristics that develop the distinct style. The quality of the estate fruit is so high, we use a bit more new French oak, malolactic fermentation and increase the frequency of lees stirring. These techniques bring richness and viscosity to the wine without covering up the delicate citrus, apricot and floral aromas and the distinct minerality which is at its core. Our Estate Reserve is an excellent representation of this wildly beautiful corner of Carneros.