Sonoma Coast AVA and Russian River Valley AVA, California, USA
While there are two prestigious AVAs involved in the production of this wine, really it’s all about star winemaker Ehren Jordan - one of California’s most celebrated and accomplished producers. Ehren worked his way up through the wine industry, starting at Joseph Phelps where he worked part-time giving guided tours before heading to the Rhône to apprentice under Jean-Luc Columbo for two years. When he returned to California, he worked as head winemaker for both Turley and Neyers where he garnered critical praise and started developing a loyal following. Today, Ehren is making wine all over California and has branched out to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Oregon as well.
The 2018 vintage of this Sonoma gem is a tremendous display of skill and restraint and utilizes a mix of new and old winemaking techniques to achieve balance with these coolish-climate Chardonnay grapes. This wine is lively, sharp and possessed of a core of thirst-quenching acidity. Notes of honeysuckle, citrus rind, wood spice and florality merge with a generous zip of minerality that speaks to the unique AVAs where the fruit is sourced from.
Pair with a meaty white fish like cod, served over lemony orzo; a fall harvest salad with roasted squash, sweet potato, grilled chicken and nuts; rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes from your favourite spot; or, a simple, creamy mild curry and coconut milk stew with tofu or prawns.
Praise
“The 2018 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous appellation-level wine. Bright and finely cut, the 2018 is a white of energy and cut, both of which come through loud and clear. Lemon peel, mint, almonds, white flowers and crushed rocks are all beautifully sculpted throughout. This is such a classy wine, but it will be better with a bit more time in bottle.” 91pts - Vinous
“The 2018 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast has open-knit aromas of honeysuckle, baked apples and spicy touches. The medium-bodied palate is savory with honeyed fruits and an uplifted, very juicy finish. 2,500 cases produced.” 90pts - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2018 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous appellation-level wine. Bright and finely cut, the 2018 is a white of energy and cut, both of which come through loud and clear. Lemon peel, mint, almonds, white flowers and crushed rocks are all beautifully sculpted throughout. This is such a classy wine, but it will be better with a bit more time in bottle.” 91pts - Vinous
“The 2018 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast has open-knit aromas of honeysuckle, baked apples and spicy touches. The medium-bodied palate is savory with honeyed fruits and an uplifted, very juicy finish. 2,500 cases produced.” 90pts - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate