Florez 2020 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains (Arrives Mid-September)

Another special release from Florèz, this Chardonnay comes from Blue Jay vineyard, which James farms in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Grapes were direct pressed followed by an ambient settling and racking the next day. The juice was allowed to begin native ferment in stainless then racked to neutral french oak barrels for fermentation in barrique. The wine was topped up and maintained for 3.5 years sur lie, and bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfur. This long, slow, patient approach results in a wine that is textural and complex without the heaviness or opulence that comes with excessive manipulation. Only 44 cases produced, this is a unique opportunity to grab this incredible wine that is drinking beautifully now but should continue to evolve over the next five years or more.