Chalk Hill - Chardonnay Chalk Hill Sonoma 2021 (750ml)
William Foley grounded his wine empire in Sonoma County with the purchase of the Chalk Hill Estate in 2010. Michael Beaulac, who joined the team in 2021, produced this wine from other Foley family vineyards in Carneros, Chalk Hill and the Sonoma Coast. In it, he captures the chamomile character of chardonnay, showcasing the variety’s gentle fruit rather than its tropical ripeness. Scents of lemon cream and malt add to the wine’s richness.
Presents pear drop, Fuji apple, ripe Bartlett pear and lemon blossom details that are elegant and restrained, but they weave in and out on a light, fresh frame that's quite impressive. Gains a savory element, thanks to a touch of toasted sesame seed. Drink now.
The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is bright, forward, balanced and approachable. Enticing aromas of bright pear, peach, spice and vanilla lead into a broad-textured, and creamy palate. With its cool-climate influences, this Chardonnay has remarkable varietal intensity, balanced acidity and mineral notes that complement the rich and full flavors of fresh pear, orange peel, and toasted almond.
Since 1972, Chalk Hill has been committed to creating terroir-driven wines of character, richness and elegance from Sonoma County’s rolling hills. With a passionate dedication to chardonnay, they showcase the incredible diversity of their estate vineyards to make the best quality wines possible with a vision for generations to come. While their estate vineyards are the cornerstone of their identity, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay allows them to create wines of elegance with an expanded palette of exceptional cool-climate fruit. The 2021 vintage features Chardonnay sourced primarily from Foley Family estate vineyards in Carneros, Chalk Hill and the Sonoma Coast. The fruit coming from the Chalk Hill AVA provides richness, concentration, viscosity and nuttiness, while the Carneros delivers structure and notes of apple and pear.
The 2021 vintage was warmer than average with little rainfall leading to a relatively early bud-break. Warm temperatures continued into summer setting the stage for full ripening, fresh acidity and beautifully balanced fruit. The fruit was harvested September 6th – September 30th in the cool, early morning hours to preserve vibrant fruit character. The wine was aged sur lie in 25% new French oak for 9 months.
