Black Stallion Los Carneros Chardonnay 2022

Winery Background and History:

Black Stallion Estate Winery is situated in Napa Valley on the site of a former equestrian center, taking its name from the historic Silverado Horseman’s facility. Over time, the estate has built a reputation for sourcing exceptional vineyard lots across Napa and carefully blending to reflect terroir diversity. The winery’s philosophy emphasizes crafting wines with balance, texture, and site expression. In recent years, the “Limited Release” tier wines such as this Chardonnay have become a showcase for special vineyard parcels and refined winemaking techniques.

Producer and Wine Maker:

The wine is produced by Black Stallion Estate Winery. The Director of Winemaking, Ralf Holdenried, oversees the vineyard lot selection, blending decisions, and winemaking style. Under his guidance the winery is evolving toward more “less intervention” practices, introducing native fermentations and refining oak usage to let vineyard character shine. The Limited Release wines receive special attention in sorting, barrel selection, and blending to express site-specific nuance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The Chardonnay fruit for this wine is grown in the Los Carneros appellation, known for being one of Napa Valley’s coolest regions influenced by San Pablo Bay’s fog, wind, and moderating marine effect. In particular, vineyard sites such as Poseidon and Alta Vita contribute to the blend. The morning fog and afternoon breezes keep daytime temperatures moderate and lengthen the growing season, enabling flavor complexity and retaining acidity. Soil profiles often include clay and loam layers over gravel or alluvial material, promoting drainage but preserving moisture during warm periods.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

The 2022 Chardonnay is barrel fermented, with approximately half of the barrels being new French oak and the remainder neutral (or older) oak, and some influence from Hungarian oak. Whole-cluster pressing is used; the finest juice fractions are selected for the final blend while harder press fractions may be reserved or excluded. The fermentation undergoes 100 % malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and add creamy texture. Native yeasts are encouraged when possible, but selected yeast inoculation may be used to ensure fermentation stability. The wine is aged in barrel for about eight months before blending and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Aromas present pear, Golden Delicious apple, potpourri and toasty oak. On palate the wine delivers ripe Bosc pear, white peach, orange marmalade and cinnamon, layered with minerality and delicate spice. The mid-palate is rich and creamy, carrying notes of candied ginger, coconut cream, grilled pineapple, and brown spice. The finish is long, spicy, and luminous, with balanced brightness and oak influence integrated.

Food & Wine Pairing:

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with shellfish (lobster, crab, scallops), grilled shrimp, roast chicken (especially with herbs), buttered pasta, creamy risotto, rich fish dishes (like halibut in cream sauce) and goat cheese. It also works with mildly spiced Asian dishes (ginger, scallion, miso). The wine’s bright acidity cuts through rich sauces and pairs with lightly scented dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Chill the wine gently to about 10-12 °C (50-54 °F). Serve in a white wine glass (slightly tapered, medium bowl) to capture aromatics. Avoid overchilling which can mute flavors. During service, allow the wine to open up (10–15 minutes) so the oak, fruit and spice layers integrate.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Drinkability begins now (2025) but it can cellar reliably for 5 to 8 years under good conditions (cool, stable temperature, humidity). Over time the oak and secondary aromatics may mellow, fruit will evolve toward baked notes, texture softens, and complexity deepens.

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

100 % Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

14.5 %

Scores:

• Wine Enthusiast: 93

• James Suckling: 92