2021 Haynes Vineyards "Forgeron" Chardonnay

Decanter - 96 Super aromatic and fragrant, with lovely lemon oil and a fantastic spiciness on the nose, complemented by gorgeous high-toned saline mineral notes, crushed almonds, and white pepper nuances. Impressively pure and focused, it carries supple fruit weight with remarkable staying power and length, framed by a coiled core of bristling acidity and a grippy tannic texture. A layered array of elegant, savoury baking spices fuels the long, refined finish, adding depth and complexity. The vineyard has a gentle slope, and this wine comes from the heart of the site, where old Wente Clone vines date back to 1992. In a cool-climate site, the fruit is picked late yet retains low Brix levels, staying in the low 20s. As winemaker Nico Cuevo explains: "Vigneron is what we grow [estate selection]. Forgeron is what we build [out of a barrel selection], and Corazon is what we love." At 13.05% ABV, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed and fermented with native yeast, then aged sur lie in 500-2,000-litre neutral casks for 21 months. The wine undergoes no racking or bâtonnage, only being topped up throughout élevage. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with no sulphur additions until about a year after harvest. Drinking Window 2025-2038. 2021 FORGERON CHARDONNAY A unique collaboration between Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr. and Winemaker Nico Cueva, Haynes Vineyard is a historic site producing wines of intent with a sense of place that tell the story of the land. Focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Haynes wines are vineyard designated single-vineyard bottlings made from historic vines planted in 1968 in the heart of the Coombsville AVA. TASTING NOTES Old Vine Chardonnay produced from the Haynes Vineyard, planted in 1968. The vineyard site produces mineral driven wines from the coolest microclimate in the Napa Valley. Reminiscent of Burgundian style Chardonnay, the Haynes Forgeron Chardonnay is made to age for many years to come. TECHNICAL DETAILS VARIETAL COMPOSITION 100% Chardonnay, Old Vine AVA Coombsville SOIL A mixture of volcanic ash, alluvial, and Diatomaceous Earth, a prime characteristic of Coombsville VINE AGE 55 years CLONE Wente clone planted on St. George Rootstock ABV 12.9% ECO FARMING INITIATIVES Certified CCOF and Biodynamic