Myrna 2022 Chardonnay
A Prohibition era hideaway that today produces a completely distinct Chardonnay: bright with flinty, spine tingling freshness, yet the depth and complexity from old vines and great sites.
Myrna’s focused intensity of fruit and texture reflects the character of extreme mountain sites being dry farmed.
The word Myrna translates to “beloved”, a reflection of our feelings about the site and truly great Chardonnay which translates from its origin minerality texture and a dazzling spectrum of flavors.
The vineyard for this wine is situated on the western side of Bald Mountain in the Mayacamas Range, at an elevation of 1800 feet. Established in the late 1960s, it features a distinctive dry-farmed, high-elevation site with rocky volcanic basalt and clay soils that encourage deep root growth and healthy vine canopies. The cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nights characteristic of the mountain environment contribute to a slow accumulation of sugars and full development of flavors. These vines include plantings from 1968 and the early 2000s, all dry-farmed and composed of the distinctive “Old Wente” selection.
2022 brought a dry winter—less than 11 inches of rain fell—limiting vine vigor and reducing yields in this dry-farmed site. As a result, clusters and canopies were smaller, and the fruit developed exceptional concentration and flavor intensity. Mild spring temperatures led to a warm, even summer, producing a steady ripening curve; careful observation ensured harvest was timed for optimal freshness and vibrancy. The vintage signature is a firm, present tannin structure and remarkable depth.