The Silenus 2018 Chardonnay is grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and comes from two distinct vineyards. The Red Hen Vineyard near the winery consistently produces complex and lush wines and Steve Matthiasson’s Linda Vista vineyard adds some bright lemon and green apple fruit notes to compliment the blend. Both vineyards fully showcase the unique Oak Knoll terroir of cool morning fog and mild mid-day temperatures which allow for the longest hang-time and flavor development in the Napa Valley.

The grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness and gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling for two days, the juice was moved to French oak barrels, 30% new, for fermentation. The wine was aged “sur lie” or on the lees for a full 10 months to build complexity and mouth-feel. The barrel aging provided an elegant layer of oak flavor underlying the vibrant fruit flavors. The resulting wine has a fresh, bright fruit profile with a pleasant, rich viscosity.