2021 Quilt Napa Valley Chardonnay

WA91 Barrel fermented and matured in 70% new French oak, with lees stirring and full malolactic fermentation, Quilt’s 2021 Chardonnay features surprisingly refined aromas of pencil shavings, ripe nectarines and tangerines. It’s a medium to full-bodied, plump, succulent and even generous wine, silky textured but with enough acid to pull the flavors into a lengthy finish.
Estate Notes: The Quilt Chardonnay has flavors of baked apple with vanilla drizzle, pineapple-mango cream, buttered toast, salty popcorn and lemon curd with notes of nectarine and cantaloupe.
The Quilt Chardonnay winemaking process begins when we call a pick. We test sugar levels, acidity and pH, but more importantly, we want phenolic/physiological maturity. With hard, brown seeds, copper canes, and yellowing of the canopy and a slight tan to the golden clusters. Once in the cellar, we whole cluster light press. We barrel-ferment the wine in French oak (70% new) for 15 months. Fermentation can last 45 or more days with lees stirring during the extended fermentation. Then 100% malolactic fermentation while still on lees for creaminess and complexity.

Joseph Wagner’s unique blend of fierce independence, curiosity, and focus are what make his wines stand out in the crowd. Producer of Quilt, Belle Glos, Boen and Elouan.
Classic yet complex, romantic but not ostentatious, Quilt is Joe Wagner’s tribute to the character of Napa Valley and its rolling patchwork of vineyards. Each wine in the collection is crafted from vineyards hand-selected by Joe, a native of Napa Valley and fifth-generation winemaker.