A classic Chardonnay from the Heintz Vineyard, this wine is highlighted by yellow apple and Gravenstein apple notes, with hints of musk melon, fresh cut pineapple, and tangerine […]
Read More| TA | 0.61g/100mL |
|---|---|
| pH | 3.23 |
| Alc. | 13.70% |
| Barrel Description | 10% New, 40% 1 yr., 30% 2 yr., 20% 3 yr + older |
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| Barrel Aged | 13 months |
A classic Chardonnay from the Heintz Vineyard, this wine is highlighted by yellow apple and Gravenstein apple notes, with hints of musk melon, fresh cut pineapple, and tangerine layered underneath. Situated on a hilltop in a very cool part of the Russian River Valley, the vineyard enjoys a slow and methodical ripening cycle. Layered on the palate, the wine shows off with orchard fruits and zesty citrus flavors and finishes with a dusty, mineral driven sensation.
The 2021 growing season experienced only about 14 inches of rain, challenging the plants from the outset of the year. Late winter and early spring were cold and dry, bringing some uneven growth and stress to the plants. The canopies were a little smaller than average going into the flowering, however the weather was ideal and mild. Flowering determines quality and quantity, so it is the most important time. The 2021 season yielded an average to slightly below average crop size with outstanding quality. Largely, the growing season saw mild temperatures but with several scattered heat events. 2021 thankfully saw the return of the fog, which saved the vintage by keeping the nighttime temperatures cool, refreshing the plants, and keeping them hydrated under severe conditions. Due to the changing climate, fog intrusion has been minimal the last few vintages. The 2021 season finished up around the historical average for temperatures. Despite the inauspicious start to the year, the wines showcase terrific verve, character, and site specificity.
The Heintz family has been farming their Occidental ranch since 1912, planting chardonnay vines in their Goldridge soils in 1980. Charles Heintz took over in 1984, and grew this fruit with the freshness of a wild spring meadow, harvesting the best aspects of an exceptional 2020 season (on the CalFire map for 2020, Occidental and the central far-coast of Sonoma are among the districts with the greatest distance from any of the fires that year). Think Queen Anne’s lace, earthy carrot top, golden apple and goldenrod. Beautiful now, this will continue to reveal its complexity over the next several years. —J.G.
Distinctive and refined, with hints of white raspberry, nectarine and fig mingling with crisper notes of Meyer lemon, tangerine and lime sherbet on a bright, mouthwatering frame. Shows savory details of toasted herbs, honeycomb and a touch of sea salt on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now. —M.W.
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2021 Fanucchi-Wood Road Zinfandel