High up on the mountainous Paraiso estate is one particular block of thirty year old vines, overlooked by a craggy oak tree – the favorite vantage point for a nesting pair of golden eagles. These few prized rows of Chardonnay grapes exhibit the true Paraiso "terroir” – rich tropical fruit characters backed by a focused, Burgundian minerality and crispness. For this very limited debut offering, winemaker David Fleming conducted a barrel fermentation in primarily two-year-old French cooperage. A four month “sur lie” stirring program added further complexity and mouthfeel. The resulting Blanc is a revelation: rich and powerful, yet balanced and food-versatile. "Gold Medal" - L.A. County Fair
