Steve Rogstad, Vice President, Winemaking, has spent most of his professional life making wine in the Los Carneros appellation. Since 2002, Steve has guided the winemaking at Cuvaison, crafting wines that have earned accolades for their seamless balance, depth that is vineyard-inspired and complexity.

The 2021 Cuvasion Kite Tail Chardonnay is from the estate Old Wente vines which produces low yields with concentrated fruit flavors from the cool climate vineyards of Los Carneros. The wine spent 11 months in French Oak (50% new) and 5 months in Stainless Steel. We have tasted multiple vintages of the Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay and consistently represent some of the finest Chardonnays from the Napa Valley, Los Carneros, AVA. The color opens with a gorgeous yellow with pale hue. Out of the glass are some classic Los Carneros aromas of lemon peel, yellow grapefruit, Granny Smith Apple, and fresh minerality with a hint of sea salt. The palate is juicy, has lively acidity but maintains its composure, elegance, and balance with fresh minerality remaining on point to a long mouthwatering finish. The 2021 Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay is a Members Only Release and made in limited quantity. It is a special Chardonnay from Los Carneros and worth seeking out.

By Perry Miroballi