Page 21 - PROFILE COLLECTION

WINEMAKING
Silhouette is a limited production white wine worthy of a collector’s cellar. This hallmark Chardonnay captures the family’s vision of crafting an old-world style white wine from Napa Valley. Each vintage, our very best Chardonnay fruit goes into the Silhouette bottling. For the 2018 vintage, the wine is comprised primarily of grapes grown on our Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard with a small percentage from the neighboring Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. Hand harvested at night to retain vibrant acidity, the grapes for Silhouette were whole cluster pressed to a temperature controlled stainless steel tank to settle
the juice, then racked into French oak barrels the following day. The winemaking techniques were classic Burgundian—spontaneous native yeast barrel fermentation, gentle bâttonage, and natural malolactic fermentation. The wine aged for 18 months on fine lees in 40% new French Burgundian oak barrels, and was racked once before bottling.
VINTAGE
2018 was a seamless season of heavenly hangtime and phenomenal phenolic development. February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering
occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating a plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions allowing the fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.
SENSORY IMPRESSIONS
Sourced from the best Chardonnay block on the historic Stanly Ranch, our Silhouette is a uniquely captivating wine. Meticulously crafted using time honored old world techniques, the gentle barrel fermentation allows for the full expression of the fruit, resulting in a wine that is elegantly balanced, refined, and complex.
The 2018 captivates with aromas of orange blossoms, jasmine, and candied pineapple, evolving as it opens. Full on the palate, the unctuous mouthfeel is brilliantly supported by the wine’s natural acidity, leading into a long finish that showcases the traditional minerality and freshness of Stanly Ranch. Enjoy now and over the next 10+ years.
2018 SILHOUETTE CHARDONNAY
MERRYVALE FAMILY OF WINES · 707.963.2225 · 1000 MAIN STREET, SAINT HELENA, CA 94574 · PROFILE-COLLECTION.COM