2012 Three Wine Men Chardonnay, California 750ml 6-Pack

The bouquet of our 2012 3 Wine Men Chardonnay is rich and floral with layers of apricot, gala apple and peach enhanced by notes of cinnamon.  A wonderful balance between crisp and fruit-forward flavors of pear and lemon merengue dusted with powdered sugar intermingle on the palate.  Medium-bodied in structure, the wine has bright acidity and airiness that makes it a crowd pleaser. Try pairing this wine with an appetizer of oysters, grilled shrimp scampi for heavier fare or a chicken pot pie during the colder months.

Appellation: In crafting our 2012 3 Wine Men Chardonnay, our winemakers sourced grapes from throughout California’s prime grape growing regions.  Known for its abundant sunshine which helps to ensure a reliable extended growing season, the “Golden State” has become an American winemaking mecca on par with the other great wine regions of the world.  California boasts nearly 100 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs), that encompass over a half million acres of vineyards, supporting a diverse varietal mix. Cool climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in the fog-bathed coastal areas, while the warmer inland valleys provide the perfect conditions for heartier heat loving varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

Vintage: Having weathered two excessively cool and wet vintages in 2010 and 2011, which reduced yields and made it difficult for grapes to fully ripen, California winemakers had much to rejoice about in 2012. Across the Golden State, most wine regions enjoyed near idyllic conditions throughout the growing season resulting in a bountiful crop of picture perfect grapes across all varietals. A perfect spring bud break, followed by steady flowering, an even fruit set, and just the right amount of warm sunny days and cool foggy nights, ensured that grapes enjoyed the extended hang time needed to fully develop.  The fruit that emerged was ideally balanced, dark, richly structured and age worthy, with great color saturation and sweet tannins.