2022 Staglin Salus Staglin Family Vineyard Chardonnay

Staglin Family Vineyards, in Rutherford, Napa Valley, was started in 1985 by the Staglin Family. But the estate itself is historic, having been used as a vineyard and farm since 1868. In 1963 the estate was sold to the de Latour family who owned the prestigious Beaulieu Vineyards, one of the region’s first producers of high quality wines. Today the estate includes 51 acres of vineyards and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sangiovese and a Bordeaux-style blend. Staglin’s flagship wines are its Cabernet Sauvignons and its Chardonnay.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.