The Hidden History of Our Chardonnay

The story of our Chardonnay begins during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, when he ordered the planting of oak forests to ensure a sustainable supply of wood for the French Navy. A century later, steel replaced wood as the material of choice, and the forests were returned to more peaceful purposes.

The most heralded use for these noble trees was in the construction of barrels, destined for the Grand Crus of France.  Today, a small number of these ancient trees must be harvested, and the coveted oak is reserved only for the finest barrels. Oak staves are hand hewn, and allowed to age outdoors for periods of two to three years. A selection of the staves from each oak vintage, however, is reserved for additional aging – up to five years. These are the most desired, and are handled only by the master cooper to make a limited number of barrels for a long waiting list of vintners.

Each year, we are allowed two of these barrels for our program. Once in our winery, they will influence many wines.  They begin the journey with our Chardonnay, and after 6 – 8 months, then find use in our Heritage wine program. On maturation of the Heritage wines, the barrels will then hold the marriage blend of a soon-to-be-announced, very special wine. Ultimately, the barrels will be used to cradle our port wine for the decades of aging required to create a tawny style, and a lasting legacy for the next generation.