Laetitia Estate Chardonnay

Growing season: laetitia’s 2016 harvest was right on schedule with slightly greater than average yields of exceptional fruit. Rain fall was below normal we received around 14 inches at laetitia. Causing us to begin irrigation relatively early– the last week of april. 2016 was a very warm year. Except for a cold final week of march februrary through may was exceptionally hot for a central coast vineyard that is 3 miles from the ocean. There was some cooling in june. July through october was only slightly cooler than 2015 but much warmer than the 10 year average during these months. Harvest concluded during the third week of october. Vinification: the grapes were whole-cluster-pressed and went through 75% secondary maloactic fermentation until naturally arrested at blending. Each barrel was tasted individually when blended to create an exquisitely balanced 2016 estate chardonnay that is true to its varietal roots with a hint of the signature laetitia spice. Barreling: only the