92 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
90 Points - Wine Spectator
Winemaking
2020 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
In the Sonoma Coast the grape vines woke up early and demanded their normal attention anyway. Work in the vineyards proceeded with smaller crews that practiced social distancing and wore facial coverings. Summer wild fires threatened many vineyards and hard decisions were made not to pick several vineyard blocks. We kept our focus on producing the highest quality wine.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: French Oak barrels 80% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging: 30% New French Oak
pH: 3.53 TA: 6.1 g/L
Bottled Unfined September 2021
Release date: Spring 2022
Cases Produced: 750
Alcohol: 14.1%
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
98 Points, Best of Class
Super-Tuscan style blend offering aromas of ripe berries and black fruits, interwoven with hints of vanilla, caramel, raw tobacco, leather, clove, blood orange peel, and roasted walnuts. Rich and generous flavors of briary blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum and cassis.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe dark fruits, wild berries, roasted fig, English Toffee, savory spices, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, the deep flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and pomegranate are layered with notes of wild sage, clove, nutmeg, and bittersweet chocolate. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
94 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
92 Points
Aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry, interlace with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. On the palate ripe and juicy flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry are perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of American oak.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
93 Points
Lovely aromas of crushed blueberry, red and blue plum, dried violet flower. It's juicy and engaging, with smoked red raspberry, wild blackberry, hoisin, sweet backing spices coursing through, and offers balance and depth with perfect levels of acidity with silky tannins leading to a long engaging finish.
95 Points
Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest. Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate. It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
Modern, Sexy & Full
Aromas of wild blackberries and blueberries interwoven with enchanting notes of fresh mint, lavender, roasted walnut, savory spices, and a captivating hint of dark chocolate drizzled with fine balsamic. Notes of plum, blueberry and cassis with hints of wild sage, licorice, black pepper, and an elegant touch of fine-grained oak.
94 Points
Blueberry, currant and sweet spice on the nose, with satiny layers of marionberry, and fresh macerated blackberries, surrounding a core of leather, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and tobacco. Medium to full bodied, it's polished and creamy with nice weight on the mid palate.
93 Points
Rich dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. The palate delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche and cedar on the finish.
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
92 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses. The flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of cherries, black olives, currants and a touch of black pepper. The full-bodied palate is chock full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe chewy tannins.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
93 Points
Juicy pear and lively pineapple with touches of dried apple apricot and honeysuckle on the nose. Round and viscous on the palate, balanced by fresh lemon, layers of citrus and blanched almond.
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