Founded in 1973, Franciscan has a long tradition of crafting wine with a highly meticulous approach. Franciscan's home estate is located in Oakville, right in the heart of the Napa Valley (57% Monterey County, 43% Napa County) appellation. This 240-acre parcel of land features loamy, gravelly, well-draining soil which adds structure to the wines. At Franciscan Estate, the wine lots are kept separate from the vineyard until just before bottling. After picking by hand, every load of grapes is assigned its own tank. This chardonnay has aromas of bright fruit, minerals, and honeyed pear-apple. A bright and vibrant palate shows rich flavors evoking apple galette, honey, and creamy vanilla bean. Varietal: 100% chardonnay. Golden yellow color. Aromas of butter-drizzled nuts, toasted spice cake, mulling spices, and vanilla bean gelato with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and an interesting, long pumpkin loaf, sticky toffee pudding, mocha latte, cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise finish with coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious, lengthy Chardonnay that balances vivid acidity and memorable toasty spices.
