Barnett Vineyards ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2023

The 2023 growing season started off with a gift, a lot of rain. This broke a four-year drought and started the vines off in the right direction. All together it was a very cool year, from January to July. The cool weather delayed both budbreak and flowering August warmed up some and fortunately we also had a warmer than normal September. Even so, it was the latest we have ever picked our Chardonnay, particularly the Catarina block which hung on the vine until November. Due to the cool weather, there was slower sugar accumulation. This longer hang time allowed the fruit to develop much more complex flavors.