Mark West Chardonnay 2015
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This versatile wine is delicious on its own or paired with grilled cheese with tomato soup, Cobb salad, grilled salmon, and apple pie à la mode.
Mark West Winery's goal is to craft wines that consistently deliver enticing aromatics, a rich supple mouth feel, and classical varietal characteristics. The wines pair easily with food or for drinking alone. Their goal is to combine outstanding value and style in every wine they produce.
Jason Becker joined Mark West Winery as the winemaker in 2015. Pinot wasn't always in his plans. Jason originally set his sights on becoming an engineer. That is, until his first job at a winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. That's when everything changed. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2008 with a double major in Wine & Viticulture and Agricultural Business, Jason set out on a path that would ultimately lead him to Mark West. From cellar intern to barrel room technician to assistant winemaker, these stepping stones are what brought him to Mark West.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.