Michael Mara Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: Lemon zest and pomello

A unique expression of Chardonnay that has the vivacity only California can provide to Chardonnay with the crisp balance of fruit and acidity akin to a Chablis-style wine. This Chardonnay has a long history with us, starting with our first vintage in 2010. The Michael Mara Vineyard sits along the Sonoma Mountain range in the Sonoma Coast AVA. It’s a unique site for growing Chardonnay in California with the fruit absorbing lots of the marine air along with minerality from the rocky soil. We brought in the grapes whole cluster and directly pressed. The juice fermented naturally in two stockinger Austrian oak puncheons. Aged on the lees for 10 months. The result is an approachable wine for chardonnay lovers, novices and dare we say – even skeptics. Age up to 20 years.

VARIETIES: 100% Chardonnay

VINEYARD: Michael Mara Vineyard

ALCOHOL: 12% 

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Our Chablis-style Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast AVA. This wine is a unique expression of California Chardonnay and has a balance of fruit and acidity that is adored by both the wine novice and connoisseur. This vintage is drinking beautifully now. Pair it with anything just plucked from the ocean.

What’s special about the Michael Mara Chardonnay is how well it captures a sense of place and time. Our Chardonnay is made from a modest allocation of vines in the Michael Mara Vineyard, located just west of the Sonoma town square along the Sonoma Mountain range. It’s a distinctive site where the fruit receives a kiss of marine air and minerality from the rocky soil. We gently pressed the whole cluster grapes, fermented in steel tank and aged in neutral barrique.

VARIETAL: 100% Chardonnay

VINEYARD: Michael Mara Vineyard

LOCATION: Sonoma Coast (close to the town of Glen Ellen) 

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