93 Points - International Wine Report
Winemaking
2021 Chardonnay grapes were immediately whole-cluster pressed off their skins once picked. Press fractions were managed carefully and the resulting wines impressed us, offering expressive fruit aromas and refreshing acidity with layers of rich texture. Each component in this blend was fermented separately in French oak barrels with 30% new oak. The components were then blended together to create a winemaker's cuvée that is expressive of the cool climate, nuance, and balance of the Sonoma Coast appellation.
Vineyards
The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay are a blend of unique lots from several distinct Sonoma Coast vineyard sites. Old Wente Clone from the Sangiacomo Vella ranch forms a foundation of bright aromatics and balance. Clone 95 from the Sangiacomo Roberts Road vineyard adds minerality and length. Durell Vineyard Old Wente Clone Chardonnay from the historic Hill block adds a layer of rich fruit character and body. Clone 95 from Gap’s Crown Vineyard rounds out the blend with citrus notes, focus and tension.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. The air remained clear with no fires in Sonoma and pandemic lock downs ended. Our spirits were lifted and the grape harvest and wine quality benefited. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22, after our grapes were harvested. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: French Oak barrels 70% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging: 30% New French Oak
pH: 3.46 TA: 6.13 g/L
Bottled Unfined August 2022
Release date: Spring 2023
Cases Produced: 1050
Alcohol: 14.1%
91 Points, Wine Spectator
This is a big wine with luxurious texture. Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Loaded with old-vine character in every sip. Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age. Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth. Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice. Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.
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