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Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Wine Details
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Description: This vintage of our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is immediately captivating in its aromatics. All the regular "players" are here including an abundance of citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit), tart green apple, and our distinct floral signature. Supporting cast members include fresh brioche, subtle wet-stone minerality, and an intriguing caramelized crème brulee character. The palate is creamy and balanced from entry through finish with crisp acidity and a lingering aftertaste of brioche and mineral. A new twist this year was that about 15% of the blend was tank fermented and aged sur lies in a "Chablis-esque" fashion. This was done with the intention of adding another layer of complexity to the blend and of more precisely controlling the final oak level in the finished wine. We believe the results were successful and have contributed towards yielding an even more seamless quality to this vintage. This wine is always enjoyable immediately upon release and is best served lightly chilled. We feel cellaring of up to two years will be rewarded with increased complexity, but beyond this is really unnecessary.

Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.


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