Poseidon Vineyard Estate Chardonnay
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Poseidon Vineyard, located at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River, was originally planted in 1973 by the Molnar Family to the Burgundian varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Originally named “Molnar Family Chardonnay,” in 2012 we have elevated the vineyard name to the brand name, to reflect the single vineyard nature of this wine (but be assured the Molnars are as involved as ever).
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: The fruit was pressed whole-cluster in small batches and barrel-fermented in a cold cellar. Malolactic fermentation was long and allowed us to stir the lees for an extended period of time, boosting the smooth, elegant texture. Malolactic fermentation also helps to manage the high natural acidity of the fruit. The spice that results from using 100% Kádár Tokaj oak (10 Months in 25% New, Medium Toast Plus Barrels), has made for a rich and vibrant Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes: The aroma opens with notes of fresh pears, tuberose, citrus blossoms and tangerine peel. Honey and graham cracker compliment the vanilla scents. With a soft entry on the palate, the wine bursts into lively, high tones of apples and citrus. It closes with notes of baked pie crust and a warm, toasty finish.
PRESS
2016 – 90 Wine Spectator | 92 Wine Enthusiast “Editors’ Choice”
2019 – 90 James Suckling | 90 Wine Enthusiast
2020 – 92 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 1973, Poseidon Vineyard was planted on what had been grazing land since the time of the missionaries. They were among the first to farm the southern extreme of Napa Carneros, which at the time was considered too cool to ripen wine grapes. Poseidon Vineyard is the heritage wine project of Obsidian Ridge, where the idea was to seek out and farm the extremes of the North Coast.
Poseidon Vineyard lies at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River. At high tide the river tastes of salt, a reminder of the sea’s proximity. Pacific wind brings fog and cooler temperatures to balance the intensity of the California sun, while clay and gravel soil provide ideal drainage for the vines. They exclusively use barrels made from tight-grained Tokaj oak by Kádár Hungary, the cooperage they have owned for three decades. This is one of a handful of places in the world where Quercus Petraea, an oak species highly prized for its enticing aromas and subtle oak influence, is grown.
Through four decades of growing, three decades of coopering, and two decades of winemaking, Obsidian Ridge have created their own unique expressions of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.