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%
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
