2021 Herson Family - Chardonnay Influence
2021 Herson Family - Chardonnay Influence is a Carneros Chardonnay crafted with the same meticulous attention given to Foley’s Napa wines. The label comes from a husband-and-wife team of Washington, D.C. lobbyists who named their wines as playful nods to their profession, with Influence sitting alongside Persuasion (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Access (Merlot) in the portfolio.
The wine benefits from John Foley’s careful, limited-client approach. Fruit is picked to balance ripeness against freshness rather than chasing maximum weight, and Influence receives the same thoughtful consideration as Foley’s more widely known projects.
Origin and winemaking
Sourced from Carneros, one of California’s coolest and foggiest premium growing regions, where the marine influence off San Pablo Bay slows ripening and helps preserve natural acidity in the fruit.
Tasting notes
The Chardonnay is gently floral on the nose, with a silky texture. Flavors include ripe apricot, pink grapefruit, lemon peel, and lime zest. A long, bright finish balances acidity against ripe fruit, delivering a poised, food-friendly style.
Food pairings
- Grilled lobster tail
- Pan-seared halibut
- Warm butternut squash soup