The 2018 Laurelwood Chardonnay is a blend of Ponzi’s original 1970s historic estate chardonnay and LIVE Certified Sustainable Avellana and Aurora Vineyards blended with Paloma , Alloro and Three Cedars Vineyards all planted on Laurelwood soil in the Laurelwood AVA.

The weather conditions throughout the growing season remained so ideal that the fruit came into the winery in pristine condition, perfectly and slowly ripened to intense flavor and maturity, all the winemaker needed to do was step aside and allow gorgeous wines to happen. The season began with each milestone hit at the expected time (bud break mid-April, flowering mid-June and fruit set in mid-July). The warm and dry summer had us all believing we were in for another early vintage and ripening due to heat stress, but early September rains allowed the vines a drink and cooler nights slowed down ripening to allow the fruit to be picked when perfectly ready. The white wines are aromatic and fresh with great fruit intensity.

“This gorgeous floral nose holds notes of white lavender and jasmine mingled with aromas of nutmeg, clove, white pepper and key lime. The mouth is a collage of meringue, peach, D’anjou pear and citrus surrounding a silky sweetness that lingers with a salty, slate minerality on the finish.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi