Name: Ernest Vineyards Chardonnay Freestone-Occidental 2022 750ml
Brand: Ernest Vineyards
SKU: 1015472
Price: 26.4 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94 (2 reviews)

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Winery

Ernest Vineyards

Shop all from Ernest Vineyards

Varietal

Chardonnay

Of all the white wine grape varietals, surely the one that has spread the furthest and is most widely appreciated is Chardonnay. This green-skinned grape is now grown all over the Old and New Worlds, from New Zealand to the Americas, from England to Chile, and is one of the first varietals people think of when considering white wine grapes. Perhaps this is because of its huge popularity, which reached a peak in the 1990s, thanks to new technologies combining with traditional methods to bring the very best features out of the Chardonnay grape and allow its unique qualities to shine through. Most fine Chardonnay wines use a process known as malolactic fermentation, wherein the malic acids in the grape juice are converted to lactic acids, allowing a creamier, buttery nature to come forward in the wine. No grape varietal is better suited to this process than Chardonnay, which manages to balance these silky, creamy notes with fresh white fruit flavors beautifully.

Country

United States

Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.

Region

California

California as a wine producing region has grown in size and importance considerably over the past couple of centuries, and today is the proud producer of more than ninety percent of the United States' wines. Indeed, if California was a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with a vast range of vineyards covering almost half a million acres. The secret to California's success as a wine region has a lot to do with the high quality of its soils, and the fact that it has an extensive Pacific coastline which perfectly tempers the blazing sunshine it experiences all year round. The winds coming off the ocean cool the vines, and the natural valleys and mountainsides which make up most of the state's wine regions make for ideal areas in which to cultivate a variety of high quality grapes.

Appellation

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast, a prized wine appellation in California, stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and cool-climate viticulture. What makes Sonoma Coast unique is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, bringing maritime influences that create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The region's diverse topography, including rolling hills and coastal ridges, allows for a range of microclimates, contributing to the complexity and character of its wines. Sonoma Coast wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are celebrated for their elegance, vibrant acidity, and expressive fruit flavors. Notable sub-appellations like Russian River Valley and Fort Ross-Seaview exemplify the diversity within the larger Sonoma Coast region. Winemakers embrace sustainable practices, further enhancing the appellation's appeal. Exploring Sonoma Coast offers wine enthusiasts a captivating journey into the synergy between land and vine, where the Pacific's influence shapes wines of remarkable finesse and distinct terroir expression.

JS 94pts

James Suckling

Offers great balance and bracing acidity that support the nicely rich, fruity and subtly spicy flavors. While light in body and low in alcohol, it achieves good breadth and concentration on the palate. A third is barrel fermented in 30% new French barrels and the remaining portion in a huge clay jar. Drink now or hold.

DC 94pts

Decanter

Sourced entirely from Ernest’s organically farmed estate vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area, this Chardonnay blends fruit from the Joyce and Cleary Ranch sites. Aged 15 months in a mix of 500L puncheons (large wine casks) and sandstone jars, it strikes a delicate balance between floral lift and phenolic texture. Aromas of orange blossom, citrus peel, and beeswax rise from the glass, while the palate shows gentle viscosity and a quiet power, carried by coastal freshness and a clean, mineral finish.