Round Pond - Chardonnay Kith & Kin 2021
Price: $24.96
| Producer | Round Pond |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 601035 |
| Size | 750ml |
For a wine that is so refreshing it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Chardonnay used for this wine was grown in Rutherford. Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Rutherford is one of the more famous sub AVAs whose fame is derived by the quality of their red wines. Most of the white varieties grown in the Napa Valley are far south in Carneros where the temperature is decidedly cooler. So how does a wine like this retain its freshness and acidity in such a warm climate? It starts with a Champagne style pressing that is whole cluster and at a much gentler pressure. This helps maintain the natural acidity and convey a refreshing, aroma-driven minerality.
The 2021 vintage was characterized by a second consecutive season of drought. Despite the relatively moderate temperatures, the arid conditions yielded smaller, more concentrated grapes and an earlier harvesting period. These reduced yields accelerated sugar accumulation, leading to the creation of vibrant, crisp white wines. The vineyard, features over 30-year-old blocks planted in the traditional "California sprawl" style, which facilitated filtered light exposure and the development of vivid aromatics. The vineyard's diverse clonal selection includes esteemed heritage Wente and Dijon clones 76, 95, and 96, all thriving in loose alluvial loam sourced from the Mayacamas drainage.
