The El Novillero vineyard was planted by the legendary Sangiacomo family and can be found on a particularly windswept part of the rocky Carneros benchland. The soils are well-drained with heaps of rock and gravel, promoting small crops of fabulously concentrated Chardonnay. The block Chappellet utilizes was planted back in 1993 to the Robert Young Clone. Upon harvest, the grapes undergo 100% malolactic fermentation and are aged in 42% new French oak barrels. 

Aromatically the wine is perfumed with quince, apricots, the zest of Meyer lemons, with undertones of creme fraiche, brioche, and cloves. On the palate, the wine has bright acidity with balancing ripe fruit flavors with notes of orange zest, toasted hazelnuts, and baking spices.