More About the 2020 PASS WINES WOOD VALLEY SONOMA COUNTY CHARDONNAY: With production limited to just 70 cases, the 2020 Pass Wines Wood Valley Chardonnay captures the essence of boutique winemaking in Napa Valley. Each bottle showcases the precision and dedication of Ryan Pass, a UC Davis alum who began his winemaking journey at Farella in 2015. Under the guidance of Tom Farella, a legendary vintner, Ryan's promotion to Winemaker after three years allowed him to hone his craft and develop an exceptional understanding of the art of winemaking. His wines reflect this tutelage, balancing tradition with innovation. Ryan’s vineyard partnerships play a vital role in shaping his wines, offering him access to select plots that inspire his creative vision. For this Chardonnay, he sourced fruit from a single vineyard in Wood Valley, handpicked for its unique ability to express vibrant acidity, layered fruit, and subtle minerality. The wine was gently aged in neutral oak, preserving its natural freshness while adding a touch of complexity. This Chardonnay is a reflection of Ryan’s commitment to crafting wines that are not only rooted in the land but also expressive of his deep passion for winemaking. Winery Notes: "The grapes were harvested in the morning and whole cluster pressed that afternoon. The brown juice sat in a stainless-steel tank overnight without temperature control and without sulfur. The next day the juice was racked from the bottom valve to neutral barrels. Fermentation started natively and allowed to ferment without any intervention. Malolactic fermentation was native as well. The wines were given a dose of sulfur four weeks before bottling. Racked and returned nine days before bottling. And that’s all."