Technical Data

Grape Source: Lucky 8 Vineyard
Appellation: Livermore Valley
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay
Oak: French & Hungarian Oak

Vintage Notes

The 2025 growing season in Livermore Valley began with a wetter-than-usual winter and a cooler spring, giving the vines a slower start and helping preserve freshness in the fruit. For Chardonnay, that longer, more measured growing season allowed flavors to build gradually while maintaining bright acidity and aromatic lift. Warm summer days encouraged tropical fruit development, while cool evenings helped retain the clean, vibrant structure that makes Livermore Valley Chardonnay so expressive. The result is a Chardonnay vintage with ripe orchard fruit, tropical depth, creamy texture, and a lively, refreshing finish.

Vineyard Notes

The 2025 Family Chardonnay is sourced from Lucky 8 Vineyard on Tesla Road, the McGrail family’s second estate vineyard site. Warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils allow the fruit to develop generous tropical and orchard-fruit character while maintaining brightness and balance. This site continues to produce Chardonnay with both richness and vibrancy, offering a wine that feels polished, expressive, and deeply tied to the McGrail family story.

Winemaker Notes

Family Chardonnay is crafted to balance freshness, texture, and approachability. The wine is barrel-fermented and aged sur lie to build roundness and depth, while thoughtful malolactic fermentation keeps the palate creamy without overwhelming the fruit. The goal is a Chardonnay that feels generous and smooth, yet still bright enough to keep each sip lively.

The Wine

The 2025 Family Chardonnay opens like a summer orchard at golden hour, with aromas of ripe red apples, papaya, mango, cantaloupe, and tropical fruit rising from the glass. Lime zest brings a fresh citrus snap, while honeysuckle, vanilla, and a subtle wet-stone note add elegance and lift.

On the palate, ripe red apple leads into layers of papaya, mango, cantaloupe, and bright lime. The texture is creamy and smooth, but the wine never feels heavy. Good acidity carries the tropical fruit forward and gives the finish a clean, mouthwatering energy. The long finish is driven by ripe apple, tropical fruit, lime zest, and refreshing acidity, making this Chardonnay both comforting and vibrant.

Food Pairing

Roasted chicken with garlic butter or macaroni and cheese with Gruyere and smoked Gouda.