60 year old vine, cool climate, high acid grapes and classic Grand Cru Burgundy winemaking* makes for an excellent and versatile Chardonnay. Honestly, I’m surprised this Sleeping Giant Chardonnay was made in this style as the green apple/quince, mouth-watering acidity and rocky “crunch” lead me tasting notes. While butter and toast do play a part in the wine, these two flavors are way in the back. I think the crisp, tangy style is to the wine’s benefit as so many eschew the oaky/buttery style of Chardonnay these days. Personally, I like both styles equally.
*Indigenous yeast, barrel fermented, 100% malolactic, weekly lees stirring, 50% new French oak aged.
Sleeping Giant is one of the five labels owned and made by long-time Napa winemaker Chris Dearden. He has a knack for making wines that are varietally correct and full flavored without going too far on ripeness and alcohol. Read all of my reviews of Chris’s wines HERE.
