Florez Wines 2019 ‘Moonmilk’

100% Chardonnay
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA – 148 cases

Why: The coastal side of the Santa Cruz Mountains provides a unique climate especially for cool weather varieties. If you look around it is quite obvious what makes it different. Cool fog and mist from the Monterey bay envelope redwood forest which is a stark contrast from much of California’s sun burned hills.

Vineyard notes: This vintage is comprised solely from a single coastal Santa Cruz Mountains vineyard that I personally farm and tend. I do the entirety of the work including pruning, canopy work and spraying. Friends do occasionally help and of course harvest is a team effort! Organic, dry farmed, no till.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of citrus, mineral, and meyer lemon curd. The pallet is textured and delicate with a notable finish. With age the wine will gain weight and power. Wonderful to drink now, but those who cellar the wine for a couple years will be rewarded.

Vinification: Fresh fruit was hand-picked by friends and family and quickly whisked away to the winery for a direct pressing. The juice was settled and racked to stainless where we patiently waited for the native ferment to kick off. Once the tell-tale signs of ferment had just begun to spark, we transferred the lightly fermenting juice to neutral French oak to allow for barrel fermentation. The wine was left sur lee and without battonage for 10 months. Racked once before bottling. Unfined, unfiltered. No additives or sulfites during vinification or elevage. 20ppm SO2 added at bottling. — Jenny & Francois