Robert Mondavi The Estate Carneros Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay 是最受歡迎、最廣泛種植的白葡萄品種之一，並非芬香型葡萄品種，反而因為氣味中性，更能反映風土特質，同時風格更受釀造技藝左右，而深受釀酒師喜愛。

儘管因為大量種植、尤其在新世界衍生出的大量粗糙廉價作品被以'ABC"戲謔、即'Anything But Chardonnay'，卻仍憑藉更多的佳作穩坐第一白葡萄品種的地位。

美國名莊Robert Mondavi 是Napa valley 的釀酒先驅，在Cabernet Sauvignon 等紅葡萄上的造詣絕對出類拔萃。Chardonnay 的釀造也不錯，近來用桶的力度更是有所收斂，風格更見平衡。

今天介紹的The Estate Carneros Chardonnay 釀造上以手工採摘葡萄，整串壓榨，在100% 勃根地木桶（66%新桶）中發酵並陳年十一個月，每週兩次攪桶。

味道是橙花、白花，一些熟檸檬、蘋果、熟梨、柑橘的果感，還有花蜜、奶油糖、烤杏仁、酥皮、牛油的香甜，略帶荳蔻、薑的香料味。酸度和礦物仍然清晰，在整潔和豐厚間取得不錯的平衡，具層次，是一款出色的作品。

Chardonnay is one of the most popular and widely planted white grape varieties. It is not known for its aromatic characteristics; instead, its neutral aroma allows it to reflect terroir and be greatly influenced by winemaking techniques, making it a favorite among winemakers.

Despite being mocked as 'ABC' (Anything But Chardonnay) due to the abundance of rough and cheap productions, especially in the New World, Chardonnay continues to hold the top position as the most esteemed white grape variety thanks to a multitude of exceptional examples.

The renowned American estate Robert Mondavi, a pioneer in Napa Valley winemaking, excels not only in red grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon but also in Chardonnay production. In recent years, their use of barrels has become more restrained, resulting in a more balanced style.

The Estate Carneros Chardonnay we are introducing today is crafted by hand-picking grapes, whole-cluster pressing, fermenting in 100% Burgundian barrels (66% new), and aging for eleven months, with punching down twice a week.

Expect notes of orange blossom, white flowers, ripe lemon, apple, ripe pear, citrus, along with hints of honey, butterscotch, toasted almonds, pastry crust, and butter, complemented by subtle undertones of cardamom and ginger spices. The acidity and minerality remain crisp, achieving a fine balance between cleanliness and richness, displaying complexity and making it an outstanding creation.

• Volume: 750ml
• ABV: 13.5%
• From Carneros, USA 
• White Wine – Buttery and Complex
• Chardonnay 
• Pairs well with Mushrooms