2022 Tondre Barrel Aged Chardonnay
This traditionally French-style oaked Chardonnay balances malolactic fermentation and oak aging for a crisp, smooth wine with honeydew, light toast, and crème fraîche aromas. The palate offers Asian pear, orange blossom, starfruit, and a hint of pie crust on the finish.
Crafted in a classic French style, this oaked Chardonnay achieves a beautiful equilibrium through the interplay of malolactic fermentation and thoughtful oak aging. The result is a white wine that is both crisp and remarkably smooth, presenting an inviting bouquet of fresh honeydew melon, delicate light toast, and the rich creaminess of crème fraîche. On the palate, our Chardonnay unfolds with a harmonious blend of juicy Asian pear, fragrant orange blossom, and intriguing hints of starfruit, creating a layered and nuanced tasting experience. The finish is elegant and satisfying, leaving a subtle and delightful impression of warm pie crust. This is a Chardonnay that showcases both finesse and complexity, a testament to traditional winemaking techniques and the quality of the fruit.
Food Pairing Notes: Pair this wine with subtle spices and silky textures. Lobster, risotto and squash are a winning match!
Serving Temperature: 45-55°F, no need to decant
Enjoy it within: 1-3 years
Recommended Glass: Aroma Collector
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Appellation | Santa Lucia Highlands |
| Vineyard | Tondre Grapefield |
| Harvest Date | 09/18/2022 |
| Alcohol | 13.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 07/30/2024 |
| Cases Produced | 100 |
In 1997, Tondré Grapefield was planted on 6 ½ acres. It has grown to 104 acres and rests in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highland Appellation, Monterey County.
Joe Alarid currently farms a wide range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones to ensure that there is a medley of fruit and sufficient Tondré pedigree character to suit vintner stylistic preferences. He also grows a very limited amount of Syrah and Riesling. Included in the broad spectrum of Pinot Noir plantings are clones 115, Pommard 4, 777, 943, 667, 828 and Swan. Chardonnay clones include 76, 96, 543 and New York.
Vignerons regard the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation as one of the crown jewels of California agriculture for Pinot and Chardonnay grapes. The importance and interdependence of combining grower and vintner is omnipresent for wine quality assurance and protection of a vineyard designation vintage by vintage. Joe carefully chooses vignerons to ensure that wines made from Tondré Grapefield fruit are among the premier wines of the Santa Lucia Highland appellation.
This distinguished appellation has protruding, southeast-facing slopes, strong maritime influences from Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. The unique location of Tondré Grapefield allows the grapes to have an extended “hang time”, meaning more sunlight on the vine, more grape ripening and sufficient cool-down in the evening to firm up the fruit’s natural acidity. Tondré Grapefield vines have deep soil penetration and mineral extraction giving the grapes distinctively intense flavor.
tondrewines.com
Katy Carroll Jones was born in Truckee, CA and is the daughter of Russ Jones. Growing up in Truckee, she also became an avid skier, enjoying downhill early in life and then cross country and biathlon competitively. She graduated from Truckee High, and went on to go to college at Gonzaga University. She met her husband while working as a server at Garwoods (he was the chef at the time). They have a lovely house in Truckee and two gorgeous dogs. She still skis often with the family, and enjoys overlanding and rock crawling in their family Jeep Rubicon. She has grown up in the winery (literally) and for 30 years has had a hand in all aspects of the wine business. She started working full time for Truckee River Winery in 2009, when the "Ranch" was opened on Brockway Road. She was one of the first tasting room associates of the winery. Over the years, her roles and duties increased and she became the first Director of Sales and Marketing, bookkeeper, Event Coordinator and Wine Club manager, among other titles. In 2015, she became the General Manager of Truckee River Winery and in 2017 became the White Winemaker and part owner. She loves making all the white wines, and has enjoyed increasing the white wine program. Her Rose varietals are a point of pride and her Pinot Grigio Rose is a fun and lovable wine for all.
