Winemaker Notes
The wine begins with a lemon & grapefruit zest, honeysuckle, mango, and guava aromas. On the palate, the tropical fruit elements mingle with lively citrus layers as well as hints of baking spice and pie crust from the French oak. The finish is crisp, refreshing and invites another taste. Pair with the perfect cheese board: local artisan goat cheeses, a wedge of Manchego,
fresh-baked crostini, Marcona almonds and a pot of fig jam.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Produced in partnership with the James Beard Foundation (JBF)-the organization's first collaboration with a wine brand-Dough has invested almost $750,000 to support JBF programs and other philanthropic organizations. Fermented in stainless steel and barrel, this expression aged for ten months in new and used French oak. Fresh aromas of pineapple and melon meld with honeysuckle, making for an inviting introduction. The mouthfeel is exceptional, showing a creamy and spirited vibrancy of lemon blossom, white flowers, and white cake before the clean and crisp finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Dough Chardonnay is bright and active on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of tangy fruits and mineral notes. Try it with lightly seasoned pan-fried Petrale. (Tasted: November 28, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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.