The Bonterra Estate Collection Chardonnay is a precise and expressive wine drawn entirely from two remarkable estate vineyards — Chalfont and Ledford Ranches — that sit at 560 feet above sea level adjacent to the Russian River in Mendocino County. The soils here are exceptional: risen sandstone seabed from the Mendocino mountains mingles with volcanic rock from the Mayacamas mountains to the east, creating a complex and mineral-rich growing environment. Combined with abundant groundwater and the moderating influence of seasonal river flooding, these Regenerative Organic Certified sites are ideally suited to producing Chardonnay of unmistakably bright fruit character and elegant structure. Harvested from select blocks in late summer through early fall, the grapes were destemmed and pressed before a long, cool fermentation in a thoughtful combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Stainless steel preserved the wine's vivid varietal character while malolactic fermentation softened the mouthfeel to a seamless, creamy texture. The wine was aged for six months in 100 percent American oak barrels, 40 percent of which were new, at a medium to medium-plus toast level. The brilliant light green and golden straw hue hints at the depth within. Heady aromas of pear, green apple, and citrus are framed by an enticing thread of flower blossom and gentle spice. The palate is rich and creamy with uplifted acidity and subtle toasted oak on the finish — a wine of beautiful balance that will continue to evolve for up to four years of additional cellaring.