2024 Neely Unoaked Chardonnay 'Leona'

100%  estate grown Chardonnay (old Wente clone 70). The fruit is hand picked before first light to ensure fresh, intact fruit. The berries are whole-cluster pressed and the juice is settled overnight. After racking off the lees, the juice ferments in stainless steel at the relatively cool, stable temperature of 60°F. After fermentation, the wine ages in steel for 6 months, before bottling in the spring. 12.0% alcohol. 135 cases made. This wine manages to strike a great balance of ripeness, richness, and nervy acidity. It has fairly generous fruit, ranging the whole spectrum of Chardonnay fruit from orchard to stone to tropical. There is a light but not overwhelming mineral streak running underneath and fairly high but not tart acidity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, and the balance of this wine keeps you reaching for another glass. Neely is based in Portola Valley, on Portola Road just past Rossotti’s Alpine Inn.