Sea Sun by Charlie Wagner Chardonnay 2017
Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
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Led by Owner and Winemaker Charlie Wagner, Sea Sun Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are created from the singular beauty and character of the California coast. The regions where Sea Sun is sourced have included Monterey, Santa Barbara and Solano Counties. Solano is home to the “hidden gem” of Suisun Valley -- only a 30-minute drive southeast of Napa, Suisun shares a similar maritime climate and is capable of producing outstanding grapes.
All of the coastal regions where we source grapes for Sea Sun provide ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with cooling ocean breezes and an extended growing season that leads to heightened complexity in the wine. These regions also feature subtle differences – as a result, Sea Sun wines are layered with aromas and flavors, holding broad appeal for a wide range of palates.
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.