In River Junction, where the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers meet, Chardonnay enjoys a cooler growing climate than in many surrounding parts of California. That 2–5 degree difference and the greater fluctuation between day and night give this wine precisely the combination of ripe fruit and fresh tension that makes it more than a simple, full-bodied California Chardonnay. Pear, melon, and peach keep the fruit bright, while malolactic fermentation and 4 months of aging in French and American oak provide additional texture and softness.
The origin here is not an afterthought, but an important part of the style.
- Location / Origin: All the fruit for this Chardonnay comes from McManis’ own River Junction AVA, at the confluence of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers in California.
- Climate & Influences: The vineyards are mostly below the water level throughout the year, making it 2–5 degrees cooler than in the surrounding area and amplifying the difference between day and night temperatures. This helps to beautifully combine ripeness and fruit retention.
- Vineyard & Harvest: The harvest ran from August 4th to September 14th, with an average Brix of 24.4. This suits a Chardonnay that can be ripe and full-bodied, yet needs to retain sufficient freshness.
The cellar approach here focuses on breadth, creaminess, and a distinct, accessible oak influence.
- Fermentation: The wine is cold-fermented in stainless steel and then filtered before oak aging. Approximately two-thirds of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, which provides additional complexity and a softer texture.
- Aging / Oak Maturation: After that, the wine ages for 4 months in French and American oak. This gives it vanilla, a creamier mouthfeel, and just enough toast to add complexity to the ripe fruit.
- Alcohol percentage: At 13.5% alcohol, this Chardonnay has enough power to carry its ripe fruit and oak influence without losing its balance.
This is all about one grape that can produce a ripe yet remarkably balanced style in River Junction.
- Chardonnay – River Junction AVA: Chardonnay forms the complete basis and gives the wine its combination of pear, melon, peach, creaminess, and a soft, broad structure.
