Winemaker Notes
This exquisite, multi-layered Chardonnay fromSophia’s Vineyard achieves a harmoniousbalance between vibrant acidity and aluscious, creamy texture. Each sip revealsa tapestry of flavors woven with sweet spice,golden honey, and the fragrant essenceof tangerine oil, all underpinned by a classicminerality reminiscent of river stones kissedby the gentle flow of water. The mouthfeelis remarkably polished, exuding a senseof presence and graceful viscosity thatcaresses the palate. As it lingers, the finishremains perfectly focused, leaving anindelible impression that invites you tosavor each moment of this elegant wine.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chardonnay Sophia's Vineyard comes from vines that are more than 40 years old, planted in Goldridge soils at 700 feet of elevation. Barrel-fermented and matured for 14 months in 40% new French oak, it has open, inviting aromas of matchstick, peach, vanilla, panna cotta, lemon blossoms and honey. The full-bodied palate has a satiny texture, concentrated, nuanced flavors and generous but well-integrated new oak spice. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, energetic finish.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.