93 Points, James Suckling
A true representation of cool climate, high-elevation Chardonnay, ripe fruit, incredible concentration, framed by great acidity and a clean mineral finish.
VINTAGE
2022 started early, with bud break in early March. Late spring cold weather, with much-needed precipitation, helped shape the season, in another record drought year. Premature summer warmth, with a record early harvest in late July. While the vintage was marked by incredible variation across each growing region, and low yields throughout, the wines are lively and fruit-forward with balanced tannins.
WINEMAKING
Each lot picked individually at peak ripeness. Gently whole cluster pressed, cold-settled for two days, then racked to 50% Concrete egg, 15% new French oak, neutral barrels and stainless steel. Native yeast fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirred bi-weekly during its 12 months of aging.
VINEYARDS
Each site was planted over 30 years ago and experiences impeccable sun exposure with tremendous diurnal shifts in temperature.
Vintage: 2022
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyards: Cooper-Garrod Vineyard, Regan Vineyards
Aging: 50% Concrete egg, 15% New French oak, neutral and stainless barrels
Brix: 21.9
pH: 3.26
TA: 6.3 g/100ml
Release Date: June 2023
Alcohol: 13.9%
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.