2017 Silenus Chardonnay

Silenus 2017 Chardonnay is grown in the Red Hen Vineyard near the winery in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Red Hen Vineyard consistently produces complex and intriguing wines that fully showcase the unique Oak Knoll terroir of cool morning fog and mild mid-day temperatures which allow for the longest hang-time and flavor development in the Napa Valley.
Grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness and gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling for two days, the juice was moved to French oak barrels, 30% new, for fermentation. Wine was aged “sur lie” or on the lees for a full 10 months to build complexity and mouth-feel. Barrel aging provids an elegant layer of oak flavor underlying the vibrant fruit flavors. The resulting wine has a fresh, bright fruit profile with a pleasant, rich viscosity. 

Tasting Notes: 
Beautiful golden straw color with aromas of fresh, green apples, peach, citrus and toasted vanilla. A creamy mouth-feel is highlighted by bright citrus, green apple, pear and lime with just a touch of passion fruit and vanilla. The finish is elegant and dry with persistent pear and oak flavors. 
Blend: 
100% Chardonnay, Red Hen Vineyard, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Specs:
Harvest date: August 30, 2017
Bottling date: July 16, 2018
Cases produced: 600
Bottle size: 750 mL
Titratable Acidity: 6.64 g/L
pH: 3.45
Residual sugar: .3 g/L
Alcohol: 14.1%
Winemaker: Bradley Smith
Awards:
2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition – Gold
2019 Japan Sakura Wine Awards – Double Gold
2018 Harvest Challenge – Best of Class, 93 points