2018 was another dry but not particularly warm winter; this changed in early February. A high-pressure system brought daytime temperatures into the 70’s, warming the soil and initiating bud break at some vineyard sites. In March, a cold front settled in and brought nighttime temperatures down to freezing, risking frost damage to the new shoot growth. These ‘false’ springs have become much more common in recent years. Summer was mild, leading to a marginally later harvest. The concentrated wines are poised and complex with depth and structure.

Portola Springs Vineyard was planted in 1982 on an eastern facing slope of 2.5-acres at 1920 feet in elevation. This vineyard ripens slower than others due to the colder climate and is usually one of the last harvested blocks. This lower sugar content results in a bright, citrusy Chardonnay. The soil consists of Lambert Shale streaked with basalt which results in mineral notes and an overall elegant, linear chardonnay.