For The Wine Curious
Notes on Shale and Stone Chardonnay
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Truchard Vineyard, Carneros
John Sampling Chardonnay
2023 Cluster
Shale and Stone Chardonnay
At Frog’s Leap, we have been fortunate enough to work with the same Chardonnay vineyard ever since our first vintage in 1985. Planted by the renowned Truchard family in 1979, these vines are deeply rooted in the decomposed shale and sandstone that are characteristic of the steeply-sloped hillsides of Carneros, and lend themselves perfectly to the balanced, restrained style that is our signature.
Fermented for only a handful of days in new French oak barrels, the wine is racked at the peak of its fermentation to insulated vessels that keep the residual heat, where it sits, untouched and sur lie, for up to 12 months. Grown in shale and stone, our Chardonnay boasts incredible freshness and a distinct mineral edge that speaks directly to its origins.
Explore How Viticulture Arrives In The Glass…
Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros
Planted 1979 in fractured shale and sandstone.
Flavor Profile: favors the dense, savory and structured side of Chardonnay, with uplifted stone fruit and mineral flavors playing a supporting role.