2016 Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards

Winemaker Notes The 2016 Chardonnay has a fragrant bouquet mix of honeysuckle, green apple and lemon peel with richly layered baked apple, stone fruit and a light toasty oak influence. A bright and focused wine with pleasing mouth feel and a delicate tropical touch on the finish.

Winemaking Data On the Sonoma Coast, our vineyards are picked under lights to preserve fruit integrity and freshness in the fruit, followed by whole cluster pressing cold directly to barrel for fermentation. Barrels were stirred as necessary during a long malolactic fermentation, resulting in a luscious, textured wine.

Vintage Notes The 2016 Sonoma Coast growing season began with a warm, mild winter resulting in an early bud break at the beginning of March. A normal period of bloom and veraison took place in early May and mid-July, respectively. The 2016 growing season was cooler compared to the previous three vintages, especially in August and September, allowing for delicate aromas and flavors to develop slowly in the Chardonnay blocks.

Reviews 94 Points - Lisa Perroti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard features delicate lemon juice, orange blossoms and baking bread notes with hints of white grapefruit, chalk dust, yuzu and lemongrass. The palate is medium to full-bodied, very refreshing and tightly wound at this youthful stage, with super intense citrus flavors and gorgeous mineral sparks, finishing long and savory. (June 2018)

95 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2016 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards is rich, bold and luscious. Apricot, orange peel, lemon confit, white flowers, biscuit and honey resonate in this beautifully layered, ample Chardonnay. The Freestone is one of the most dramatic, full-bodied Chardonnays readers will find in this part of the Sonoma Coast. (July 2018)

94 Points - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Year after year, this wine from this spectacular cool-climate site impresses. Crisp notions of green apple are followed by high-toned acidity etched in Meyer lemon and Key lime flavors. The fresh, fruity core is given a grip of oak on the finish. (June 2018)

94 Points - James Suckling
Love the salty and mineral character to this wine with lime and lemon undertones. Zest and creamy undertones, too. Full body and tangy acidity. Intensely long and flavorful. (May 2018)

94 Points - PinotFile
The nose wows you with aromas of lemon pie, buttery croissant, apple and pear. Well-endowed with flavors of lemon, yellow grapefruit and pineapple that are lifted with a backbone of crisp acidity. A deft touch of oak is pleasing, as is the tightly wound, citrus-driven finish that offers some aromatic persistence. A classic cool-climate Chardonnay. (June 2018)