If Cabernet Sauvignon is the King of Californian reds, then Chardonnay is the queen of Californian whites Rebel Rebel is rooted in being a cool climate wine that brings traditional Napa Chardonnay into the modern era There is a raciness, a tang, and a twang about the wine, along with sufficient minerality to be more than just interesting.

The wine is sourced from the Beckstoffer vineyards that are situated in the Los Carneros region around the Pablo Bay area just north of San Francisco The fog breezes that come up from the bay make for a cooler climate This, mixed with a predominately clay terroir encourage the vines to retain moisture The cooler climate imparts an increased zippiness to the wine.

The grapes are hand-picked and sorted (allowing the removal of all damaged or sunburnt grapes while at the same time respecting the quality of the fruit) and transferred as whole bunches into a pneumatic press The juice is chilled to preserve the fresh fruit flavors, before being vinified at under 14 °C in a continuation of that policy. Oak is used sparingly so as to not overwhelm the fresh, mineral, and fruit vibrancy.

The 2018 Rebel Rebel has a pale straw greenish hue. A nose of honeydew melon, pineapple cubes, yellow peaches, papaya, and tropical fruit leads to a full-bodied palate, rich, and ripe with vibrant acidity. A slightly tannic impression gives the wine a bit of youthful exuberance with the structure to repay a couple of years of cellaring.