Napa Valley

Medium

Agglomerated Cork

White

As with the 2021 vintage, winemaker Marla Carroll notes that fruit was picked between 20 and 21.5 Brix—down nearly 4–5 Brix points from previous years—and the wine saw no malolactic fermentation, marking a significant departure from the 2019 approach. After some skin contact and gentle crushing, the grapes were pressed and inoculated with selected yeasts to ensure consistency. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks before the wine was transferred to barrels for seven months on the lees, with no stirring. The wine was predominantly aged in Remond barrels with medium-long toasts from the Allier forest, along with a few other specially selected coopers. The result is nothing short of staggering: the wine is more focused and streamlined, with gorgeous saline-acid tension and youthful citrus and orchard fruit. Warm spice notes envelop the ripe fruit, contributing a sense of richness and depth without ever weighing the wine down. It remains remarkably light, bright, and energetic, with laser-like precision. According to Renzo Cotarella, CEO and winemaker of Marchesi Antinori, this marks the beginning of a gradual and dynamic shift at the estate—a renewed focus that bodes well for future vintages. An exciting new direction.

Chardonnay

Antinori Napa Valley, A26 Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2021

2022-antinori-napa-valley-chardonnay-a26-atlas-peak-district-napa-valley-87999-68e511ee2b5c9.gif

As with the 2021 vintage, winemaker Marla Carroll notes that fruit was picked between 20 and 21.5 Brix—down nearly 4–5 Brix poin

Antinori Napa Valley, A26 Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, USA 2021

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