Palate
Exquisite, vibrant amber, crystalized orange rind, apple, piercing minerality finespun with notes of muted lemon, the raw scent of freshly grated almonds, honey blossom and melon fractured by salinity and volcanic bedrock. Swirls of wildflowers, tangerine and rosewater coat the palate. Fabulously crisp, we adore this wine and its rare affinity.
This is a brilliant Chardonnay with full-bodied intensity, plenty of minerality, some subtle tropical fruits such as tangerine and mango, but more quince, white currants and citrus oil. It has the ability to last 5-7 years, if not longer.
Growing Conditions
Our Durell Chardonnay is one of our most coveted wines in our portfolio, sourced from one of Sonoma’s most revered vineyards. Durell’s ancient riverbeds and rich rocky volcanic soils along with the distinguishing character of the Old Wente clone produces a wine crisp with mineral laced acidity countered by a depthness of fruit. Located in the southwestern hills of Sonoma Valley, the Durell Vineyard stretches across three separate and overlapping appellations: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley and a small corner of Carneros. The cooling effect of San Pablo Bay to the South, the strong afternoon winds from the Pacific to the West, and the warmth of the Sonoma Valley to the North, create optimum conditions for Chardonnay.
