Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even better, the 2012 Chardonnay Home Ranch’s alcohol came in a full degree higher than the 2011's, and the wine hits the palate with a much larger tactile impression. Abundant aromas of white peach, apricot marmalade and pineapple soar from this full-bodied, pure, rich, well-made wine. It sells for a song given its quality.
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Wine Spectator
Intense tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus and melon notes are at the core of this moderately rich, full-bodied effort, ending with a hint of butterscotch. Maintains depth and focus, and promises to improve in a few months. Drink now through 2019.
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 multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.