Alcohol: 13.5 %
Grape(s): 100 % Chardonnay
Location: Coombsville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Tasting Notes: Brilliant pale gold in color. The nose is incredibly precise and high-toned, offering aromas of Meyer lemon, white nectarine, and wet flint, accented by delicate notes of honeysuckle and toasted hazelnut. On the palate, it is electric and medium-bodied, defined by a laser-like acidity and a distinct saline minerality. Flavors of crisp green apple and citrus zest are layered with a subtle, creamy texture from lees aging. The finish is remarkably long, taut, and vibrating with energy.
Notes: The "Forgeron" (French for blacksmith) is a flagship bottling from the historic Haynes Vineyard. Sourced from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Napa Valley—planted in 1966—this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Coombsville AVA. The cool maritime breezes and volcanic ash soils produce a Chardonnay with structural tension and longevity. It is fermented and aged in French oak barrels (with a low percentage of new oak) to preserve the purity of the fruit, with the site's mineral signature remaining the focus.
Food Pairing: An ideal match for sophisticated seafood dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster thermidor, or grilled halibut with a lemon-butter sauce. It also pairs beautifully with roast poultry, truffle-infused pastas, and aged Gruyère cheese.
Winery Story: Haynes Vineyard is a legendary site in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, established by Pat and Whit Haynes in the 1960s. For decades, it served as a premier fruit source for iconic California producers before transitioning to estate production. Today, the estate is dedicated to preserving its heritage old vines. Under meticulous stewardship, the winery focuses on minimal-intervention techniques to showcase the profound elegance and "cool-climate" complexity that only this specific volcanic terroir can produce.
