Leto Cellars is back! And wow do they have something unique and oh, so satisfying. Today’s Leto Cellars 2016 Napa Valley St. Helena Old Vine Chardonnay was made from Chardonnay vines that were planted in the 1960s by the Varozza Family - who have been dry framing grapes for 5 generations. The result is a creamy, food-fabulous wine that we adore.

This Chardonnay would fetch a high appraisal value with its stunning 24-carat gold hue and jewel-like clarity. It’s got a fresh, clean nose with lots going on. At first, the apple juice character is most pronounced, but spend just a little more time and you’ll be rewarded with complimentary cinnamon spice as well a nice floral characteristic such as honeysuckle. You’ll discover pear and some subtle vanilla in there too. The apple qualities present more tartly on the palate, though this is a pleasant profile similar to a citrusy lemon tang. It’s got a nice Asian pear and barrel toast. It’s got an expansive bouquet and a leaner style on the palate with pronounced acidity giving it a lift. An excellent food wine that would contrast nicely with a creamy dish such as fettuccine alfredo.

This wine was made by Brad Warner, who spent nearly three decades running wine production at Robert Mondavi. Prior, he was a cellar rat at Charles Krug, where he learned, first hand, the rigors of large-scale wine production. Brad is also a prolific inventor, having created such marvels as the Airocide air purifier, which was developed by NASA to provide a germ-free environment in the Space Shuttle. Today, Brad focuses his considerable talents on his small-production Leto label.

The St. Helena AVA (or Saint Helena AVA) is an American Viticultural Area located within Napa Valley, centered on the town of St. Helena, California. The appellation covers 9,000 acres along the flat narrow land towards the northern end of the valley between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. Charles Krug, one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking, opened his winery here in 1861. The AVA hosts more than 80 wineries, including today’s.