2021 Silenus Napa Valley Chardonnay
Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
Napa Green Certified Winery
Napa Green Certified Land
Tasting Notes
The Silenus 2021 Chardonnay is grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Materra Vineyard. The Materra Vineyard near the Napa River consistently produces complex and balanced wines that fully showcase the unique Oak Knoll terroir of cool morning fog and mild mid-day temperatures which allow for the longest hang-time and flavor development in the Napa Valley.
The grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness and gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling for two days, the juice was moved to French oak barrels, 30% new, for fermentation. The wine was aged “sur lie” or on the lees for a full 10 months to build complexity and mouth-feel. The barrel aging provided an elegant layer of oak flavor underlying the vibrant fruit flavors. The resulting wine has a fresh, bright fruit profile with a pleasant, rich viscosity.
Our 2021 Chardonnay nose opens with honeydew melon, lemon verbena and a hint of green apple. The palate is bright and crisp with hints of lemon zest, Asian pear and subtle, spicey oak. Its juicy acidity is balanced by its round texture leading to a touch of apricot and great minerality. Rich, layered and a smooth finish.
Food Pairing – Enjoy this wine with a simple French-style roasted chicken and a light salad.
About Silenus Winery
In 1968 the perfect spot to grow Cabernet Sauvignon was located in the Southwest corner of the Napa Valley right along Dry Creek.
In 1968 a walnut orchard in the Southwestern corner of Napa Valley, in what is now the AVA of the Oak Knoll District, was converted to Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards by Bruce Newlan, a rocket scientist from San Jose who vacationed in Napa Valley. The roots of Silenus Winery were firmly established.
The choice of locating in the Oak Knoll District (OKD) was very deliberate. The OKD lies at the southern end of the Napa Valley where the growing season is longer, providing early bud break and a long, leisurely growing season for optimal, balanced ripeness.
The cooler nights and slowly rising daytime temperatures create a naturally long hang time for fruit to achieve bright acidity, great texture, fruit-forward aromas and elegant flavors.
Through the 1970’s the grapes from this vineyard were sold to Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, and Inglenook wineries and consistently ended up in their reserve wines.
Sustainability
Silenus Winery Sustainability Statement
Silenus Winery takes its responsibility to be good stewards of the land very seriously and have since our founding in 1968. Sustainability encompasses much more than ordering recycled office paper or reducing pesticides in the vineyard – it is an ongoing, dynamic process all staff participate in daily. Being sustainable means running our winery in a manner that puts the health of the planet and well-being of our people in the the forefront of our thinking. We do this each day with every decision we make. We are inspired by our neighbors and fellow wineries in the Napa Valley.
Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
Napa Green Certified Winery
Napa Green Certified Land
Tasting Notes
The Silenus 2021 Chardonnay is grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Materra Vineyard. The Materra Vineyard near the Napa River consistently produces complex and balanced wines that fully showcase the unique Oak Knoll terroir of cool morning fog and mild mid-day temperatures which allow for the longest hang-time and flavor development in the Napa Valley.
The grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness and gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling for two days, the juice was moved to French oak barrels, 30% new, for fermentation. The wine was aged “sur lie” or on the lees for a full 10 months to build complexity and mouth-feel. The barrel aging provided an elegant layer of oak flavor underlying the vibrant fruit flavors. The resulting wine has a fresh, bright fruit profile with a pleasant, rich viscosity.
Our 2021 Chardonnay nose opens with honeydew melon, lemon verbena and a hint of green apple. The palate is bright and crisp with hints of lemon zest, Asian pear and subtle, spicey oak. Its juicy acidity is balanced by its round texture leading to a touch of apricot and great minerality. Rich, layered and a smooth finish.
Food Pairing – Enjoy this wine with a simple French-style roasted chicken and a light salad.
About Silenus Winery
In 1968 the perfect spot to grow Cabernet Sauvignon was located in the Southwest corner of the Napa Valley right along Dry Creek.
In 1968 a walnut orchard in the Southwestern corner of Napa Valley, in what is now the AVA of the Oak Knoll District, was converted to Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards by Bruce Newlan, a rocket scientist from San Jose who vacationed in Napa Valley. The roots of Silenus Winery were firmly established.
The choice of locating in the Oak Knoll District (OKD) was very deliberate. The OKD lies at the southern end of the Napa Valley where the growing season is longer, providing early bud break and a long, leisurely growing season for optimal, balanced ripeness.
The cooler nights and slowly rising daytime temperatures create a naturally long hang time for fruit to achieve bright acidity, great texture, fruit-forward aromas and elegant flavors.
Through the 1970’s the grapes from this vineyard were sold to Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, and Inglenook wineries and consistently ended up in their reserve wines.
Sustainability
Silenus Winery Sustainability Statement
Silenus Winery takes its responsibility to be good stewards of the land very seriously and have since our founding in 1968. Sustainability encompasses much more than ordering recycled office paper or reducing pesticides in the vineyard – it is an ongoing, dynamic process all staff participate in daily. Being sustainable means running our winery in a manner that puts the health of the planet and well-being of our people in the the forefront of our thinking. We do this each day with every decision we make. We are inspired by our neighbors and fellow wineries in the Napa Valley.
