An obvious companion at table, we also love it on its own.
If you're willing to hold, this will make and outstanding cellar candidate.
Prime drinking: Late 2021 through 2029+
Graceful ageability: 2030+
Winemaking
Raised in a combination of French oak puncheon and barrel, they carefully paired the wood to the wine to support rather than obscure. What finally makes it to bottle presents both richness and a vibrant core.
Vineyard
Sangiacomo Green Acres was planted in 1969, and was the family’s first vineyard. Surrounded by two creeks, it enjoys an unparalleled microclimate of sunshine and cool breezes. Old Wente and Hyde Chardonnay clones yield teeny berries with highly concentrated flavors giving rise to a very special wine honoring a farming tradition of nearly 100 years.
Vintage
A near-perfect growing season kicked off 2019 with consistent winter rains followed by cool spring weather. Bud break arrived late with a smaller fruit set mostly due to significant rain during bloom in May for a slightly below average crop yield. A steady summer growing season with no heat spikes and little rain during harvest set the stage for ideal maturity and balance. This vintage we were able to achieve full phenolic flavor development along with ideal ripeness, making for an exceptional vintage. As always, harvested in the early morning hours during the coolest part of the day to preserve flavor and balance.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Vineyard: Sangiacomo Green Acres
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: 96% Hyde | 4% Old Wente
Aging: 14 months, 10% New French Oak
pH: 3.44 TA: 6.5 g/L
Bottling: December 3, 2020
Release date: Spring 2021
Alcohol: 14.4%
90 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass. The palate opens with cranberry, cherry fruit and wood spice dominate. Cherry and plum notes pump through with a medium-bodied texture. Smooth tannins and soft finish showcase its layered complexity.
92 Points
Aromas of red raspberry, jammed dark fruit, cinnamon spice and clove. Hints of sliced ripe plum, black tea and lavender oil adds to its complexity. Flavors of blueberry, elderberry, and cranberry are enhanced with oak spice and baking notes from the barrels. These flavors marry with soft tannins for a long and mouthwatering finish.
92 Points
Juicy blackberries and black cherries accented by mint and chocolate. Full-bodied, deeply colored, with a hint of white pepper, dried herbs and toasted bread. Delivers a substantial mid-palate of dark fruits, black tea, baked cherry, fruit preserves and licorice. Sophisticated and sumptuous. A great example of the varietal, brooding with depth and complexity. Notes of toast and oak, with integrated tannins and textural polish on the finish.
