Aurum Hill (Block 16) sits on our warm, southwest slope of golden marine-sedimentary soils. The fruit arrives with a little more mid-palate and structure, so we follow its lead: barrel fermentation and gentle, oxidative handling build texture while keeping a mineral line.

Fermented and aged on fine lees in French oak (25% new; DAMY & Sirugue) with partial malolactic to round the palate without losing energy. Think of letting a pear breathe—perfume and texture unfold—while the saline edge keeps the finish clean. Any “buttery” character in Chardonnay comes from specific ML pathways, not from oak; our approach and microflora keep that in check.

Why “Aurum”? Aurum is Latin for gold—a nod to the vineyard’s golden soils and the label’s color. For a clear lens on style, taste next to our 2022 Stainless Chardonnay to compare oxidative vs. reductive winemaking from the same estate.