Lot 4 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (Freestone-Occidental) 750ml

92-Points James Suckling: Aromas of citrus blossoms, pears, white peaches and crushed stones. The palate is mid-weighted with bright acidity and a smooth texture, giving flavors of lemon curd, nectarines and almonds. Balanced and refreshing, with a clean, minerally finish. Drink now.

Lot 4 is the archetype for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, representing Burgundian purity at its best!

Lot 4 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes to us from what many winemakers claim is the finest vineyard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California. Located just outside of Freestone on a south facing hillside of Goldridge soils at 400-800 feet, this is truly one of California's Grand Cru sites for Burgundian varietals. Similar to other Grand Cru sites like Ritchie Vineyard, vintners compete for the rights to purchase fruit from this vineyard with bottle prices ranging from $60 all the way up to $150.

But, by the sounds of it, they shall compete no more. The vineyard was recently purchased and new ownership is taking the fruit in-house. Turns out my winemaker is friendly with their winemaker and we got a phone call that ownership was trimming their sails on the bottling, would we like first crack at the excess gallonage? Hell, yeah.

Quite frankly, I was in on the first sniff. The wine came with a price, however, as I paid twice the market rate to close. Nevertheless, I still think it's a fantastic deal, especially when you consider their plan is to launch their brand well north of $100/bottle. 

Trust me on this one folks, if you love racy, lip-smacking acidity with tremendous purity and complexity, this beautiful Burgundian-styled Chardonnay is right up your alley. 

Pale yellow in the glass with an immediate bouquet of citrus/jasmine blossoms and orange marmalade mingling with toasted brioche and savory caramel notes. Beeswax, mint, lemon oil, and crushed rock complex the bouquet as it blooms in the glass. Linear on entry with fruit and acidity well balanced in a Burgundian framework of saline, orange marmalade, lemon drops and green apple notes riding a supple, crystalline beam of minerality into a long, mouthwatering, finesse-driven finish featuring beautifully integrated oak and classic elegance. Nervy, energetic and absolutely fantastic!

13.2% alc.
3.2pH
15-months in new French oak, ~50% new.
175 cases produced.
Bottled into shiners May 28th and awaiting labels. Should be available to ship late July.