94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Made to age gracefully and will easily evolve into further greatness for another 6-7 years. We have just a small quantity. Very excited to share this.
Winemaking
The 2018 Sonoma Coast vintage ofered moderate weather, cool evening temperatures and a long, even growing season. The weather conditions were ideal and allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly over the course of summer and early fall. This allowed the grapes to gain flavor complexities and ripe tannins, while retaining natural acidity. The vineyards ofered grapes of exceptional quality and high yields alike. The Gap’s Crown Chardonnay blocks were harvested at night and gently whole-cluster pressed. The juice was fermented at low temperatures to maintain delicate aromatics before being aged in French oak barrels. In 2018, all three components ofered more robust flavors with layers of rich textures that blended seamlessly.
Vineyards
Gap's Crown Vineyard is situated on Roberts Road just above the Sangiacomo Vineyard. This is a high-end hillside vineyard that has become a gem of the Sonoma Coast. We source Chardonnay grapes from three distinctive blocks within the vineyard. The Clone 95 block was planted in 2004 on 16-16 rootstock and has a beautiful south facing aspect. The Clone 76 and 96 blocks were also planted in 2004 running over a ridgeline with a variety of exposures. All of these blocks start of in sandy loam with alluvial gravel, transitioning to iron-rich loam with higher proportions of volcanic rocks as they ascend uphill. Clusters are small and dense with hen and chick berries.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage proved to be an excellent one for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Tight cluster formations and small berries resulted in wines with a concentration that rivals the best recent vintages. The 2018 Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay benefited greatly from these conditions, in addition to the careful stewardship of the land. The added benefit of longer hang times is the bright acidity in the fruit. The finished wine is fresh, lively and fruit forward, with citrus and apple aromas that leave your mouth watering.
Analysis
Vineyard: Gap's Crown Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: French Oak barrels 100% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging: 30% New French Oak
pH: 3.61 TA: 5.9 g/L
Bottled Unfined August 2019
Cases Produced: 150
Alcohol: 14.2%
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
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.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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