Winemaker Notes
The mellow acidity and balance of toast and citrus in this Chardonnay make it a great wine to stand alone or pair nicely with food. A chicken sandwich with grilled pineapple would complement this wine well, as would a Caesar salad with grilled shrimp. For people who appreciate wine without the pretense, Smoking Loon is the full-bodied California varietal wine that celebrates independent character and a Bohemian personality by going beyond a single plot of land or a château, to explore the best vineyards in each vintage through our négociant relationships.
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.