2016 SeaFall Chardonnay

Seafall is an interpretation of the sandy earth, rolling fog and late-ripening vines of the West Sonoma Coast, one of California’s most extreme regions for grape growing. Here, fine sandy loam Goldridge soil remains from an ancient inland sea that merged with the Pacific millions of years ago. This well-draining, nutrient-poor soil combines with electrifying coolness from the nearby Pacific to create crisp, layered wines brimming with vitality and dynamism. Aged in mostly neutral and second-use French oak with only partial malolactic, Seafall Chardonnay offers an intriguing interplay between weight and lightness, our winemaker’s intention and the free will of the site.

Palate

The vineyard’s proximity to the ocean is immediately evident. There’s a good amount of minerality on the nose, with layers of citrus, red apple and lemon curd. Hints of butterscotch and a thread of ginger, cinnamon and spice underscore the aromatics. The palate evolves, from a round and creamy texture up front to a mid-palate refined by French oak, and finally to a lengthy finish uplifted by a generous amount of natural acidity. An energetic wine, well-balanced and complex.

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Composition

Vintage:

2016

Appellation:

Sonoma Coast

Varietal:

100% Chardonnay

Vineyards:

Heintz 91%, Dutton 3%, Morelli 3%, Sullivan 3%

Age of Vines:

38 years

Clones:

4, Wente and Old Robert Young

Soil:

Goldridge sandy loam

Harvest Brix:

24.5%

Aging:

14 months in French oak, 36% new, balance neutral and second-use

pH:

3.12

Alcohol:

14.5%

“The 2016 Seafall Chardonnay is from Heintz Vineyard, in the western part of the Sonoma Coast AVA. It’s rich and fleshy, with flavors of lemon curd and ginger, supported by vibrant acidity.”

Laurie Daniel on Wine, September 20, 2018