Cline Chardonnay 2023

Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. This elegant cool climate California Chardonnay is made from estate fruit grown on four of Cline’s Sonoma Coast vineyards. Three of these vineyards are located in the Petaluma Gap, which funnels cool air from the Pacific Ocean through a gap in the Sonoma mountain range. This gives the region a very long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retaining plenty of freshness and aromatics. The fourth vineyard is located in Los Carneros close to San Pablo Bay which is renowned for its graceful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. To maintain quality the grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in 40% barrels and 60% stainless steel fermenters which are kept at a low temperature. The young wine is then kept on the lees for 4 months followed by another 4 months in French oak barrels. Bursting with luscious mango, papaya, honeydew melon and ripe peaches, this is a bright, fruit-forward wine seasoned with hints of toasty oak and vanilla on the long finish. A great partner for vegetarian dishes, roasted chicken, leafy salads, or a generous platter of cheeses. The Cline family who make this exquisite Chardonnay are a truly pioneering family, having introduced a wide range of sustainable and natural solutions including a 2000-strong herd of sheep and goats who remove weeds from the vineyards. The 350-acre farm is a Certified Calfornia Sustainable Vineyard and Winery, and also has enough solar panels to power the whole winery.

Price: £20.40 from 8wines UK