2021 Stratus Chardonnay Unfiltered & Bottled with Lees

Fermented in a combination of clay amphorae and French oak, this unfiltered chardonnay is unusual, including in terms of its appearance, its diffused, milky yellow opalescence only adding to its charm. Tropical and orchard fruit are accompanied by aromas of toast and lees here, while the palate has a citrusy ambience, though this wine is all about texture. I love the creamy, yet energetic palate, and the nuanced finish, Megha Jandhyala, WineAlign

Defined by highly variable weather, 2021 was unpredictable from start to finish. The year started with warmer than average, January temperatures. Spring settled into predictably seasonal temperatures and generally dry conditions – a great start to the growing season. As the summer progressed, hot and dry conditions prevailed. Despite unexpected scattered rain and severe thunderstorms at the end of the month, extreme heat and drought were the predominant challenges faced in August. Unstable weather in the fall presented challenging harvest conditions. Rain and humidity at inopportune times required a strategic approach to picking grapes at their peak. Many of the red varieties were harvested at the tail end of November and in early December.