Growing Conditions
Called “one of the great Grand Cru Chardonnay sites in California” by Robert Parker, the Charles Heintz Vineyard sits upon a ridgetop along the rocky Sonoma County coastline. The 20-year-old vines, planted on the desirable Gold Ridge Sandy Loam top-soils, ripe slowly, cooled each evening by the fog that rolls in from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This slow, even ripening process results in beautifully balanced wines with fully developed flavors and fresh acidity. The vineyard site has been in the Heintz family for over 100 years, and since its planting in 1982 has become a name synonymous with the best of California Chardonnay.
2018 was truly a winemakers’ vintage, and the quality of the resulting wines presents itself in bottle. Generous rainfall in February led to a late budbreak and extended flowering period. Beautiful and mild weather throughout spring and summer made for a healthy crop load. With no major heat spikes or weather events in the fall, winemakers were able to patiently wait to pick at optimal fruit ripeness.
Winemaking
A classic representation of this stunning coastal vineyard, this wine is the most exuberant of the 2018 Chardonnays. Aromas of luscious tropical fruit and white pineapple begin on the nose, while the palate is reminiscent of apple galette, with delicious baked Golden Delicious along with almond paste, brioche and cinnamon stick flavors. The richness is perfectly balanced by the wine’s long, refreshing finish that leaves your mouth watering for another sip.
Aging
100% Barrel Fermentation; Full Malolactic; aged 11 months in 55% new French Oak
