2019 Chardonnay Ouille

Our 2020 Chardonnay Ouille takes its name from a style of wine in the Jura, where so much Chardonnay is made in an oxidative style with partially filled barrels that it became necessary to indicate on the label which wines were raised in barrels that were “ouillé” – topped up. Keeping the barrels topped prevents oxidation, resulting in a fresh, lively wine, with bright aromas and vibrant flavors. This vintage showcases hallmark RHV acidity, with notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle minerality, all while maintaining a clean, crisp finish. It's a refined expression of Chardonnay that emphasizes purity and precision in winemaking, which in turn allows this variety to do what it does best: express the character of the site. Chardonnay on an indifferent site will yield an indifferent wine; the limestone and alpine growing conditions at RHV are both quite unique to California as well as accurately mirroring some of the ancestral homelands of Chardonnay (a tip of the hat to the Jura) and allow us to bring you what we feel is an exceptional example of what this variety can become.