93 Points, James Suckling
A true representation of cool climate, high-elevation Chardonnay, ripe fruit, incredible concentration, framed by great acidity and 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
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%
All Wines
90 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass. The palate opens with cranberry, cherry fruit and wood spice dominate. Cherry and plum notes pump through with a medium-bodied texture. Smooth tannins and soft finish showcase its layered complexity.
92 Points
Aromas of red raspberry, jammed dark fruit, cinnamon spice and clove. Hints of sliced ripe plum, black tea and lavender oil adds to its complexity. Flavors of blueberry, elderberry, and cranberry are enhanced with oak spice and baking notes from the barrels. These flavors marry with soft tannins for a long and mouthwatering finish.
92 Points
Juicy blackberries and black cherries accented by mint and chocolate. Full-bodied, deeply colored, with a hint of white pepper, dried herbs and toasted bread. Delivers a substantial mid-palate of dark fruits, black tea, baked cherry, fruit preserves and licorice. Sophisticated and sumptuous. A great example of the varietal, brooding with depth and complexity. Notes of toast and oak, with integrated tannins and textural polish on the finish.
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