Matthiasson, Linda Vista Chardonnay 2020

For complexity, completeness, and balance, we achieve a diversity of ripeness by harvesting the fruit several different times during the ripening period. The earlier harvests contribute acidity and minerality, and the later harvests contribute flesh and richness. The earliest pick is incredibly zingy, while the latest pick is nutty and honeyed. Everything was blended together before bottling. We whole-cluster press all of the grapes, settled in tank for 24 hours, then ferment and age the wine in seasoned French oak barrels. This year, since the wine was already very rich, we did no battonage (lees stirring). We allowed two-fifths of the barrels to go through malo-lactic fermentation. The wine was never racked, fined, or cold-stabilized, but since it is partially ML negative it was filtered before bottling.

The Napa-based husband and wife team of Steve and Jill Klein Matthiasson met twenty years ago through their shared work in sustainable agriculture, a partnership that has resulted in some of the most fascinating, fresh, and diverse wines made in California today. Steve's career evolved behind the scenes as a vineyard consultant for high profile Napa wineries like Stag's Leap, Spottswoode, and Araujo. Jon Bonne, wine editor for the San Francisco Chronicle and vocal champion of Matthiasson's wines, notes that 'when a vintner wants more flavor at lower sugar levels, Matthiasson is the one on speed dial. And he has achieved that while evangelizing for a reversal of the past two decades' trend toward overly ripe flavors and high alcohols.' The Matthiassons' vivid renditions of ubiquitous varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon provide an appealing introduction to their poised and textured house style. Their impeccably farmed organic vineyards, luscious, complicated White Wine, and pure, focused Refosco (that Steve grafted over 3 rows of Merlot in their home vineyard following a eye-opening trip to Friuli) exemplify the high standards and spirit of adventure that California is becoming known for among engaged and eco-conscious wine drinkers.