Darms Lane Chardonnay

Darms Lane Winery, owned by Oklahoma resident Larry Bump, takes its name from Darms Lane, a quiet country road just west of Highway 29 between the towns of Napa and Yountville in the Oak Knoll District. It was established in Oak Knoll in 1983 as a Chardonnay estate and in 2002 the 14 acres of original Chardonnay vines were replaced by the Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, bringing the total planted acreage to 17 acres. In 2005, the first estate grown Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from a small three-acre hillside block, with fruit from remaining fourteen acres being sold first to Opus One and now to Spottswoode for their Lyndenhurst label.

Winemaker Brian Mox’s career includes stints at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Pine Ridge Winery, Etude, and Lewis Cellars where he was winemaker until 2011. Edward Bompasse, a direct descendant of the Bumps, landed at Plymouth Harbor on the
boat FORTUNE in 1621, the year after the Mayflower. Our Bon Passe estate vineyard is
named for him and the Fortune 1621 label is a nod both to our family’s past and to our continuing good fortune.

100% Estate Grown, produced and bottled. Refreshing and vibrant, our Chardonnay offers aromas of stone fruit (white peach), pear, brioche, vanilla, créme brulée, and hints of lemon zest. The rich yet balanced palate presents ripe pear, lemon curd, vanilla cream
and Crenshaw melon. Medium body, lush and viscous on the entry leading to crisper, clean citrus fruits through the mid palate and a lively fresh finish. The wine went through full ML and was aged sur lie for 10 months in French oak (22% new). 868 cases produced.