The Silenus 2017 Chardonnay is grown in the Red Hen Vineyard near the winery in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. The Red Hen Vineyard consistently produces complex and intriguing wines that fully showcase the unique Oak Knoll terroir of cool morning fog and mild mid-day temperatures which allow for the longest hang-time and flavor development in the Napa Valley.

The grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness and gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling for two days, the juice was moved to French oak barrels, 30% new, for fermentation. The wine was aged “sur lie” or on the lees for a full 10 months to build complexity and mouth-feel. The barrel aging provided an elegant layer of oak flavor underlying the vibrant fruit flavors. The resulting wine has a fresh, bright fruit profile with a pleasant, rich viscosity.