Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020

Today, Freemark Abbey is many things to many people: a team of some of the most respected winemakers working in Napa Valley; a historic 1886 winery and pristine estate, with an enthusiastic hospitality program that highlights both; a collection of source vineyards up and down Napa Valley, representing several of California’s most distinctive terroirs; an extensive—and unparalleled—wine library that stretches back decades; and a winery that, because of its long history and international reputation, is one of Napa Valley’s true ambassador brands. 

2020 will be the vintage no one will forget for a long time. The last rains of the winter season came in mid-May during flowering and set, leading to a lighter than normal crop. June temperatures were moderate but climbed to unseasonably warm conditions from July through September. Fire season began unusually early and most of the harvest was marked by these conditions. However, the very nature of white wine making, and the lack of skin contact has provided the winery with a lovely opportunity to make great white wines. They are fresh, fruit driven and crisp and the best memory we have of 2020. 

This is very steely and fresh with crushed-stone and lemon-rind undertones. Praline, too. Medium-bodied, linear and bright. About 40% malo. Mostly Carneros and Coombsville fruit. Excellent value for this quality. Drink or hold. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, 24 March, 2022, 94 Points 

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - United States
Region - Napa Valley, California
Vintage - 2020
Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.2%