2022 Chardonnay, J McK Estate

Our Estate Chardonnay is a testament to our commitment to crafting balanced and complex wine. The nose is rich and inviting, with enticing notes of lemon curd, warm brioche, and a touch of alluring spice.  On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet lifted, offering a bright spine of acidity that complements the flavors of dried orange slices and juicy stone fruit. The finish is lush and lengthy, leaving a lasting impression without feeling heavy or overbearing. Each vintage we push this wine to deliver full flavor yet bright acid.

Our J McK Estate Chardonnay vineyard is located on the western side of Carneros. Our proximity to the Pacific Ocean is a primary contributing factor for the cool nights and intense wind for which Carneros is known. The cooling influence of the anabatic winds (the wind phenomenon that also influences our name) grants the grapes a longer hang time during the growing season. This allows the fruit to slowly develop intense and robust flavors, maintain bright acidity, and adds just the right touch of lushness to the final product. This vineyard is named after Anaba proprietor John Sweazy’s two children, John Michael and McKenna. 

The 2022 growing season for Anaba began with an early bud break, setting the stage for a harvest that was ahead of schedule from start to finish. The lighter-than-average yields we saw this year played a key role in developing the grapes’ deeply complex and intense flavors. With experienced farming and judicious winemaking, we nurtured this vintage to deliver beautifully balanced and ripe grapes, making 2022 an exceptional year.