GRAIL
DK Grail, Rosella's VINEYARD Chardonnay, 2022
Vineyard Site
The Rosella’s Vineyard rests along the gently sloping benchlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Owners Gary and Rosella Franscioni planted the vineyard in 1996. A fourth-generation farmer, Gary’s passion for growing only the finest fruit on his home vineyard has resulted in a significant following for his Rosella’s Pinot Noir. Less widely known is his small block of excellent Dijon clone Chardonnay.
Winemaking
This wine was harvested on September 10, 2021. Each clonal section is harvested and kept separate until blending. After a period of stirring on the lees and a full malolactic fermentation, the wine aged for fifteen months in 50% new French oak before bottling. The coopers included Cadus and Sirugue.
Dan’s Notes
For our first DK Grail Chardonnay, we chose the acclaimed Rosella’s Vineyard, from where we source Pinot Noir. Co-mingling in similar cool climates, Chardonnay is a perfect complement to Pinot Noir, even especially when grown at the same site. I love the complexity and vibrancy of this wine, with its pale straw color and flavors of juicy pear, pineapple, kiwi, and lemon custard, accented with notes of hazelnut and brioche on the finish. Adaptable and complex, this wine pairs with myriad food choices.
92 POINTS
DK GRAIL Rosella's Vineyard Chardonnay, 2022
“The nose offers complex aromas of lemon rind, papayas and cantaloupe. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy texture and fresh acidity, offering notes of key lime pie, biscuits and flint. Very ripe and structured with a mineral edge. Drink or hold.” – J.G.
The Quest for DK Grail
We are on a quest to perfect wines of elegant intensity and bring them to the rest of the world.
DK Grail is a treasured bottle of Pinot Noir that is exclusively made available to people and hospitality venues on the DK allocation list. Wine enthusiasts and collectors who seek out wines that are rare, unique and difficult to acquire cherish DK Grail. They enjoy the quest to secure an allocation and the pleasure and pride of sharing a bottle with people at special occasions, opportunities to create impactful relationships or lasting memories.