With a few years of age, this has turned into a wonderful balance between generosity and freshness. Has all the hallmarks of great Sonoma Coast Chardonnay—bright fruit, a touch of honeycomb with a firm core.
VINEYARD
The Chardonnay at La Cruz Vineyard sits on a hillside that overlooks the Petaluma River, a few miles southeast of the town of Petaluma. It’s a late ripening site and the vines are small. Recently converted to organic farming in an effort to boost soil health. The harvest comes late here, around the end of September/beginning of October most years. The Wente selection of Chardonnay here is considered by many winemakers to be the best of the many Chardonnay selections available—small clustered, low yielding, concentrated flavors.
WINEMAKING
Whole cluster fruit is sent through just the rollers on a destemmer to break up the bunches and begin extraction before splitting the wine in half between oak and concrete. After time in each vessel, the wines are swapped so that all wine sees both materials. Native yeast is used for both primary and naturally occurring malolactic fermentation with use of battonage. Fermented and aged in a combination of concrete eggs and neutral oak barrels.
VINTAGE
2016 was a good year to be a grapevine, after four years of drought the winter finally gave up a bit of rain. The growing season, although somewhat warm and early, was forgiving as the fruit came in the door in excellent shape across the board. After the lower yields of the previous vintage, it was nice to have a good amount of fruit to work with.
Vintage: 2016
Wine Type: White, Still, Dry
Farming: Biodynamic
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay, Clone 4, Wente
Vineyard: La Cruz Vineyard
Appellation: Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast
Winemaker: Byron Kosuge
92 Points
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Excellent, Great Value!
Aromas of rich cherry, black currant, dark plums, with hints of lightly toasted vanilla, mint and crushed slate. The concentrated flavors further integrate with blackberries, tobacco, anise and earthiness with a balanced oak profile, layered palette, leaving you with its delightful finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
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