2019 Watson Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay

Spontaneous fermentation and no interventions aside from careful additions of SO 2 . Watson Ranch Vineyard is perched on a steep hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay at the southernmost end of the Napa Valley. Exposed and unprotected from the elements, at 450 ft, this wind-whipped site was planted in 1993. Soils at Watson Ranch are composed of calcareous clay over limestone – rare on the north coast. Organic farming and cool windy conditions. Gentle, stony, citrus aroma. Bone, bone dry. Lean and sinewy but not thin. Super-fresh and taut. Pure, tense and with only subtle fruit flavours. Long finish. On the austere side but balanced. Needs time. (JH)