As Belle Glos explains:
Positioned near the ocean on California's Central Coast, the Glasir Holt Vineyard sits on the western edge of Santa Rita Hills. Although Wagner’s intentions were to grow Pinot Noir on this vineyard, a small portion of the land had an enticing chalky-like characteristic to the soil, primarily due to the high PH level and its calcareous nature. Always one to rise to a new challenge, Wagner wanted to try something new and plant Chardonnay vines. Due to the maritime impact of the ocean, cool days, and cooler nights, he was able to grow this beautiful, mineral-driven Chardonnay, resulting in a classic, elegant style of wine, mirroring the rest of the Belle Glos portfolio.
“No other vineyard that we have farmed throughout California’s coast could match the character and quality of the Chardonnay at Glasir Holt,” says Joe Wagner. “It is a more than an exceptional place and it shows in the grapes and in the wine. With the winemaking, we took a very traditional approach to allow for the purist expression of what Mother Nature gave us, which was a glaringly articulate embodiment of the soil and climate. So much so, that I could not deny its place as a vineyard designate to sit alongside it’s Belle Glos brethren.”
In the cellar, the whole clusters were lightly pressed to separate all the solids and juice before sitting for about 24 hours. The liquid then went through a native yeast fermentation prior to fermenting in 10% concrete tanks and 90% new French oak barrels. During the fermentation process, malolactic fermentation occurred, which elevated the body of the wine, while the remaining lees were stirred once a week. The wine was aged for 12 months before it was put into bottle to be enjoyed by all!
Tasting Notes
Beautiful golden hue in color with mouth-watering acidity complemented with aromas of Asian pear, melon and toasted hazelnut. On the palate, refreshing stone fruit, lemon custard and tropical flower. This wine has a well-balanced mouthfeel that dances on the palate with bright and lively acidity and minerality resulting in a phenomenal expression of a coast driven Chardonnay.
The Wine Enthusiast agrees, rating this outstanding at $55 and saying:
Very plush aromas of peach jam and ripe nectarine meet with warm touches of brioche in this bottling from a vineyard toward the appellation's western edge. Those big peach flavors are cut by a citrusy acidity leading into a marshmallow-like finish, thanks to the ample new French oak usage.
I suspect this super-rich and imposing wine could do for Chardonnay what Belle Glos has done for Pinot Noir – except there’s so very little of it.
