Generations is a tribute to the Raymond family’s five generations of winemaking in the Napa Valley. This limited production wine is 100% Chardonnay and the winery’s ultimate expression of this varietal.
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Nose
The first vintage of Generations Napa Valley Chardonnay in over 13 years, the 2012 vintage opens with striking floral and citrus aromas that seductively mingle in the glass with opulent notes of pear and honeysuckle.
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Palate
Creamy on the palate, this rich wine is round and plush while displaying nice acidity, great structure and well integrated oak. Enticing flavors of vanilla and spice are harmoniously accented by hints of creamy butter and apricot.
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Winemaking
A mix of specialized Old Wente and Dijon clones, our 2012 Generations Napa Valley Chardonany was whole cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels with 100% native yeast fermentation and achieved 100% native malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 14 months in 80% new French oak (Francois Frere, Saury and Baron) with 8 months of sur-lie aging for a creamy texture and broader mouthfeel before being bottled unfiltered.
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Location
The grapes for the Generations Chardonnay come from our estate vineyards in Jameson Canyon and a select vineyard in the Atlas Peak appellation. The estate vineyards are planted on rolling hills at the southern end of Napa Valley. The growing conditions in the Jameson Canyon are very similar to Carneros, the neighboring appellation just west of the Napa River. Winds flow through Jameson Canyon, carrying in the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and providing a long, cool growing season that enhances the intensity of the Chardonnay flavors.
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