868 Estate Vineyards

Chardonnay 2022

Produced by 868 Estate Vineyards · Purcellville, Virginia

Tasting notes

The 2022 Chardonnay offers orchard fruit, melon, and mineral aromas with layers of honeyed apricot and subtle spice. Bright, "crunchy" lemon acidity energizes the medium-bodied palate, delivering clarity and lift through a refined, detailed finish.

Winemaking notes. Three Chardonnay clones (809, 96, and 76) were whole-cluster pressed from two one-acre blocks and fermented separately. Half fermented in stainless steel, half in French oak, with malolactic fermentation stopped at 33%. Aged 18 months in 228L barrels (8% new); the final blend was assembled just before bottling.

Vintage notes. The 2022 season delivered a dry, steady growing period with minimal rainfall, reducing disease pressure and allowing exceptionally clean fruit. Consistent warmth supported balanced ripening across all three Chardonnay clones, producing concentrated flavors with vibrant natural acidity.

Accolades. Gold Medal, Virginia Governor's Cup. 90 points, James Suckling.

• VarietalChardonnay
• Vintage2022
• Producer868 Estate Vineyards
• RegionLoudoun County, Virginia
• Composition100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards868 Estate Vineyards
• Fermentation & agingWhole-cluster pressed; fermented in stainless steel and French oak; partial malolactic; aged 18 months in French oak (8% new)
• Alcohol13.9%
• pH3.52
• Acidity6.0 g/L
• Residual sugarDry