Sonoma County

Medium

Cork

White

Wente clone vines, developed on a north-facing, rocky site that is very warm, above the fog, with intense morning sunshine, are entirely barrel-fermented, with malolactic fermentation inhibited, creating a very laser-focused Chardonnay with sea-spray minerality and citrus fruit layered over a creamy mid-palate of crisp orchard fruit. It is balanced by crisp acidity, driving the long, expressive, and layered finish that is quite mineral-scented. You’d not be faulted for thinking this was from the Sonoma Coast. It’s the elevation that sets this wine apart, along with the clay and red volcanic soils, which layer in a kind of high-toned reddish mineral character. But make no mistake, this is not Carneros. It’s almost more like Chardonnay from world-class sites in the Eola-Amity Hills. It’s not, of course—it’s high elevation, up valley Napa. And it’s fabulous.

Chardonnay

Melka Estates, La Mekerra Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Knights Valley, California, USA, 2023

Wente clone vines, developed on a north-facing, rocky site that is very warm, above the fog, with intense morning sunshine, are 

Melka Estates, La Mekerra Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma

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