Platt Vineyard Estate Chardonnay

The Estate Chardonnay enhances the coastal character of Platt Vineyard, drawing from multiple blocks to express the site with clarity and precision. Bright and energetic, it unfolds with layers of citrus and orchard fruit, framed by crystalline texture and lifted aromatics. Shaped by the proximity of the coast, saline freshness carries through the wine, expressing the essence of Platt with vibrancy and definition.

The wine

Grape variety

Chardonnay - Clones: Old Wente, 72.

Ageing

14 months ageing in 60-gallon burgundy barrels (228L)
30% New French Oak, 70% Used French Oak

Tasting

Exuberant and lively, the 2024 Estate Chardonnay generously offers ripe Meyer lemon, orange zest, green apple, and crunchy Asian pear. In the background, there are fine notes of oyster shells, freshly ground almond, nutmeg and flakey pastry. While the fruit profile has a fleshy quality attributed to the sunny growing season, there is a saline edge and brisk acidity that provide clarity and keep this wine taut and precise, on the palate. All seven blocks of Chardonnay are represented in this bottling, highlighting the depth of flavor, mineral drive, and lingering acidity characteristic of the site. (July 2026)

Analysis

14.1 % vol.

The vintage 2024 2024
2023

Weather conditions

A relatively wet winter helped restore ground water levels and was followed by steady, intermittent rainfall in the spring. The spring rains were accompanied by sunny, warm weather which led to rapid canopy and cover crop growth. Ideal weather during bloom not only improved set and increased yields, but also set the stage for even ripening. There weren't any rain events to complicate matters and while 2024 was warm and dry, it wasn't particularly hot, resulting in excellent berry integrity throughout harvest.

Harvest

Harvest began on September 3rd with a young vine block of Chardonnay. Moderate weather followed and we began methodically picking our way through the Chardonnay on the upper ridge from September 12-21. A few hot days in late September accelerated our approach and we brought in nearly half of our tonnage between September 24-30. The season ended with some intense heat the first few days of October, but thankfully we only had a few late ripening blocks left on the vine and we finished harvest on October 3rd.

Winemaking

Grapes were whole cluster pressed after which juice was transferred to barrel where fermentation took place with either selected or native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation took place with either selected or native bacteria. There was minimal intervention during ageing with little to no batonnage and the wines stayed on their lees until being racked to tank at bottling.

Wine ratings

95/100

« The 2024 Chardonnay Estate springs from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh pineapple and apricots, followed by hints of allspice, marzipan, and brioche with a waft of crème caramel. The medium to full-bodied palate is open-knit and refreshing, delivering a satiny texture and a long, spicy finish. »

James Suckling