Trois Noix Chardonnay Muir-Hanna Vineyard Oak Knoll District 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 93] [TWI 93] [JS 92] [JD 90]

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season in Napa will be remembered by its exceptional quality and concentration of flavor. While there was hardly any rainfall in the late winter and spring months, this led to a moderate crop load on the vines that required less management to promote flavor. Heat spikes in the summer months were infrequent which allowed the small clusters and berries to ripen at a steady pace. A slightly earlier harvest than average, the 2021 Trois Noix wines are highly aromatic and rich in flavor and structure.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Muir-Hanna Chardonnay is highly aromatic, precise, and true to the Trois Noix style. A fully loaded bouquet of lemon zest, orange blossom, and marine air give way to a brioche-like undercarriage. There is also a pleasurable hint of mineral reduction that nuances the generous fruits sitting atop. The mid-palate offers a patchwork of natural acidity, brine, and a wonderful viscosity achieved by judicious stirring of the lees.

Pairings

Fresh-shucked oysters on the half-shell with mignonette, pan seared wild salmon over creamy risotto.

Technical Info

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Aging: Aged for 10 months, 12% new and 76% neutral French oak; 12% concrete egg.
Bottling Date: June 22, 2022
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 535 9-liter cases

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Decanter:
"This is a subtle and focused Chardonnay with excellent tension and length from the Muir-Hanna Vineyard in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll district. Fragrant white flowers, lemon oil, and almonds. Medium-bodied with a satiny richness that broadens layering in a wonderfully deep, candied lemon essence before segueing to crushed stone minerals through the scintillating finish. Trevor Smith is the consultant winemaker. Drinking Window: 2024-2030." -Jonathan Cristaldi (Dec 2023)

93 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2021 Chardonnay Muir Hanna springs from the glass with notes of Golden Delicious apples, Bosc pears, and honeydew melons plus nuances of chalk dust and jasmine tea. The medium-bodied palate has a racy backbone, with citrus sparks lifting the apple and pear flavors, finishing long and chalky." -Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Jun 2024)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of spices, grilled herbs, caramel, ripe nectarines and glazed lemons. Hints of walnut, too. Full and creamy with a gentle phenolic edge to it and vivid acidity. Lingering finish. Drink or hold." -James Suckling (Mar 2023)

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Chardonnay Muir-Hanna comes from the Oak Knoll region of Napa and was brought up in just 12% new oak. It has plenty of stone and orchard fruits as well as some subtle spicy, honeyed, and floral notes and a vibrant, fresh, focused style on the palate." -Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2023)