Vineyards
The grapes for the 2018 Reserve Chardonnay come from the southern end of Napa Valley and Carneros. The thinner soils and cooler climates of these sites create ideal conditions for Chardonnay, providing the fruit with an extended ripening period, which creates greater complexity in the finished wine.
Harvest
The 2018 growing season was near-perfect, from start to finish, and the long growing season allowed grapes to fully develop in flavor and complexity. The wine was fermented in barrel with native yeast and underwent batonnage to enhance the flavors, aromas and texture. The wine aged 14 months in French oak, 28% of which was new, before bottling.
Winemaking
The Napa Cellars 2018 Reserve Collection Chardonnay is a brilliant, pale gold in the glass. Complex aromas of dried flowers, chamomile, fresh apple, wet stone, gooseberry, caramel and winter spice are followed by flavors of tart Granny Smith apple, lemon curd and crème fraîche, all complemented by a bright acidity and crème brûlée flavors on the long, lingering finish.
Food Pairing
Scallops with Tomato Ginger Butter 
