Trestle Thirty One Chardonnay 2023

Trestle Thirty One Chardonnay 2023: cool-climate depth and precision

Trestle Thirty One Chardonnay 2023 combines the energy of the Finger Lakes with impressive depth and texture. Nova Cadamatre MW makes the wine from 100% Chardonnay grown at Nutt Road Vineyard. The result balances bright cool-climate fruit with carefully judged French oak and extended lees aging.

A long growing season in the Finger Lakes

The 2023 season began with an early budbreak, followed by a hard freeze in late May. June and July brought frequent rain and considerable vineyard pressure. Fortunately, conditions improved from mid-August onward. The long autumn then helped the Chardonnay retain bright acidity while developing ripe, focused fruit.

French oak and nine months on the lees

The team harvested the Chardonnay by hand and gently destemmed the fruit. After pressing, they cold-settled the juice for 48 hours. Nova then transferred it into four medium-toast French oak barrels made by Dargaud Jaeglé.

The barrel selection included one new barrel, one once-used barrel, one twice-used barrel and one neutral barrel. Consequently, new oak accounted for 25% of the élevage. VIN13 yeast drove the primary fermentation, while a partial malolactic fermentation softened the wine without removing its natural freshness.

The Chardonnay spent nine months on its lees. Every two weeks, the team rolled the barrels in specially designed racks to stir the lees without introducing oxygen. This technique built texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s bright fruit.

Trestle Thirty One bottled the wine in September 2024. A further nine months of bottle maturation prepared it for release in June 2025.

Tasting profile

Pear, Pink Lady apple and lime zest lead the aroma. Subtle notes of pineapple, vanilla and green tea follow as the wine opens. Gentle oak adds depth, but it never overwhelms the cool-climate fruit.

The palate feels rounded and concentrated, while fresh acidity keeps the wine energetic. Citrus and orchard-fruit flavors continue through a long, dry and mouthwatering finish. James Suckling awarded the wine 94 points.

Serving and food pairing

Serve Trestle Thirty One Chardonnay 2023 at 10–12°C. It pairs particularly well with lobster, grilled fish, scallops and roast chicken. Creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, Brie and mature Alpine cheeses also make excellent partners.

Enjoy the wine now for its vibrant fruit and freshness. A short period in the cellar will allow the oak, fruit and lees-derived texture to integrate even further.