Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Chardonnay Untitled #16 unfolds with intriguing nutty and graphite-like tonesthat evolve into a medley of luscious quincepaste, succulent melon, spring honey, anddelicate floral hints. The medium-bodiedpalate boasts an opulent array of ripe fruitcharacter, elegantly wrapped in a seamless,silky texture. Its remarkable length enchantsthe senses, inviting contemplation witheach sip. While delightful now, this exquisitewine will unveil even greater complexitieswith time in the bottle. With only 75 casesproduced, it captures both rarity andelegance in every pour.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chardonnay Untitled #16 was barrel-fermented and matured for 14 months in 40% new French oak. It bursts from the glass with scents of peaches, vanilla, panna cotta, dried jasmine and honey. The full-bodied palate is open and inviting with concentrated flavors matched by new oak spice. Its vibrant acidity gives it energy and tension, and it has a long, shimmery 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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.