Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée Santa Lucia Highlands 2015

Varietal: 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. All grapes are hand harvested The cuvée begins fermentation in stainless steel tanks with 20% of the wines finishing the fermentation in neutral French oak barrels. The remaining 80% of the cuvée undergo similar oak aging once the primary fermentation is complete. The total time on oak is approximately 2 months. The cuvée is racked back to tank, bottled, and left to age sur lies for 4 years. Riddled and disgorged in house, the wine ages on cork for an additional 18 months prior to release.

Taste: Fruit aromas including Macintosh apple, apricot and lemon zest underpin floral notes enhanced with rich vanilla, creamy lemon and honeycomb. On the front palate there is a crisp savory acidity and a structured mouth feel that delivers tastes of citrus and stone fruit with hints of minerality.