2018 Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Chardonnay opens with generous white flower, lemon zest and fresh pear. A very linear offering with vivid acidity, bright green apple, tart lemon and a mineral driven lengthy finish.

Winemaking Data Chardonnay grapes are picked at night to preserve fruit integrity and freshness, followed by whole cluster pressing cold to barrel for fermentation. The barrels were stirred only as necessary, resulting in a layered, concentrated wine with freshness.

Vintage Notes The 2018 Sonoma Coast growing season was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed budbreak, bloom and veraison by two weeks compared to the previous five years. The mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening and development of a complex aroma and flavor profile in the finished wines.

Reviews 95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This impressively layered, complex and cool-climate characteristic white is layered in gravelly texture and crushed rock. Briny ocean influence coats a crisp core of green apple and Meyer lemon, leading to a complete finish. -VB, Sept. 2020

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Intense minerality accents the sleek pear tart and apple pastry flavors, loaded with rich, vibrant acidity. Viscous midpalate, with angel food and creamy accents on the luscious and well-spiced finish. Drink now through 2025. -KM (May, 2020)

90 Points - Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
The wine offers a clear look at fresh and very vibrant, citrus-tinged, green apple fruit with subtle, sweet oak and suggestions of minerals forecasting certain complexity to come. It is both moderately full and fairly crisp in balance without letting acidity become too pronounced, and, if there are sure to be those who revel in its zesty piquancy right now, it has much more in store for those willing to lay it away and wait for another three or four years. (May 2020)