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%
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
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