By Gali Vineyards
2024 Unoaked Chardonnay

Vintage
The 2024 growing season began with a warm spring. Above-average temperatures produced abundant cover crops between the grapevines, which bolstered nutrients in the soil. Early summer heat spikes of up to five days at a time had no detrimental effects on the vines. Veraison began at the end of July and took one month to complete. Overall, soil health and biodiversity helped the grapes ripen evenly over multiple months, leading to the start of harvest in September.

Production
Harvested at 23 degrees Brix on September 27th, 2024, the Chardonnay was whole-cluster pressed, not destemmed. The collected juice was moved to a chilled stainless steel tank for a slow-but-steady primary fermentation under temperature control. A partial secondary natural malolactic fermentation occurred in tank.

Production Details
Source: Estate-grown grapes from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: 72, 27, 17
Winemaker: Eric Baugher
Vinification: Partial malolactic fermentation in tank
Aging: 8 months in stainless steel tanks
Alcohol: 12.90%
pH: 3.08
TA: 6.80 g/L

Tasting Notes
Like a freshly sliced Fuji apple spritzed with lemon juice for freshness, this unoaked Chardonnay keeps its brightness throughout each sip. Made from three Chardonnay clones and aged in stainless steel tanks, the wine's fuller body stems from partial malolactic fermentation. Baked apple and floral notes sweeten the middle before a sweep of salinity rounds out the finish.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: 2024 Gali Vineyards Estate Chardonnay
Score/Rating: 90-92
Review Date: 08/21/2025
Reviewed By: Matthew Luczy
Tasting Notes: Tasted as a sample before bottling, the 2024 Estate Chardonnay was fermented in stainless tanks and underwent partial malolactic fermentation without lees stirring. Floral and juicy aromas emerge from the midst of some youthful reduction, followed by a vibrant palate and a fruity yet focused finish.

Wine: Gali Vineyard 2024 Chardonnay
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2029
Review Date: 06/2026
Reviewed By: Billy Norris
Tasting Notes: The 2024 Chardonnay was done entirely in stainless with partial malolactic fermentation. Minty lees tones open first, delivering layers of wintergreen, green apple and a touch of exotic spice. This is pure, taut and steely - super clean and super fresh.