SIXTO Moxee Chardonnay 2018

Tasting notes

TASTING NOTES BY WINEMAKER CHARLES SMITH
Aromas not seen before. Chamomile, lime leaf and limestone fill the air giving way to a luxurious palate full of ripe golden pear, lemon curd and beeswax that continue to persist as long as one can imagine.

Terroir

Moxee Vineyard (100%)
Planted in 1973, Moxee is located east of Yakima and north of Moxee. The south facing slope is approximately 1450 feet elevation. The soil is Moxee silt loam with broken limestone.

Appellation: Royal Slope

Vintage Notes

The 2018 vintage was incredible! This outstanding vintage began mild followed by a long and dry ripening season in the fall. This enabled us to hang the fruit to reach optimal ripeness without losing acidity or increasing sugars. The wines from 2018 are exceptional in many ways, from the great expression of the whites to the beautiful refinement and complexity of the reds. Enjoy!

Vinification

Native yeast, 100% whole cluster pressed, 50% concrete tank fermentation; 50% 105gal neutral puncheons fermentation.
30% new French 105gal puncheons, 18 months barrel-aged on lees

Winery Description

SIXTO wines focuses exclusively on old-vine Chardonnay by Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton.

Inspired by the story of musician Sixto Rodriguez (featured in the acclaimed documentary "Searching for Sugar Man"), Charles similarly wanted to resurrect something that was always great, but was waiting to be rediscovered - as in the old Chardonnay vines in Washington State.

Being the sixth label that Charles has created (sextus translates to "sixth" in Latin), the name SIXTO was a perfect fit.