The Reserve Chardonnay is a barrel selection from mature vines, solely comprised of the Old Wente clone and drawn from blocks in the middle section of the vineyard, where extended hang time builds aromatic nuance and depth. Concentrated and layered, it reveals citrus oil and succulent stone fruit alongside floral detail with a densely coiled structure. The wine shows a distinctly textural expression of our site, with a chalky grip and persistence that carries through the elegant finish. Built for graceful ageing, it finishes with salty, mineral accents and impressive length.
The wine
Grape variety
Chardonnay – clone: 100% Old Wente
Ageing
14 months ageing in 60-gallon burgundy barrels (228L)
33% New French Oak, 67% Used French Oak
Tasting
The 2024 Estate Reserve Chardonnay is characterized by an exotic quality coupled with firm, chalky texture and incredible length. Heady aromatics of orange blossom, marzipan, and fresh kiwi are complemented by subtle notes of wet stone, minty herbs, and sea breeze. It is already highly expressive, with an array of warm-toned citrus, white peach, juicy nectarine, and concentrated lemon and mandarin oil lending a succulent feel to the midpalate. While this vintage feels supple initially, it remains focused with firm, mouth-watering acidity, and nervy tension suggesting this wine still holds plenty in reserve. The wine emanates from all four blocks surrounding the pond. (July 2026)
Analysis
14.2 % vol.
The vintage2024
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
98/100
« The 2024 Chardonnay Estate Reserve prances out of the glass with notes of ripe pears and spiced apples, followed by hints of candied ginger, toasted almonds, baking bread, and orange blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate is light on its feet with wonderful energy and bags of bright orchard fruit layers, supported by a satiny texture and a racy line, finishing long and savory. »
James Suckling
98/100
« Pristine chardonnay that is so unique with tangerine, sea salt, chalk and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with a wholesome and focused palate and a long seamless finish. Like crushing sea salt in your hand and tasting it. High energy. From the best parcels of the Platt Vineyard. »
