Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1973 in Sonoma County, California, Sonoma-Cutrer owns approximately 1,121 acres of vineyards spread across the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, farmed using sustainable practices. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from four select parcels of the finest estate vineyards and select growers in the Sonoma Coast appellation. The Sonoma Coast wine district is blessed with particularly favorable climate conditions for Chardonnay production, with cool afternoon breezes from the Pacific, and good nighttime temperature ranges. After the harvest, which is done in the early hours of the morning to preserve the freshness of the grapes, fermentation takes place in a mix of oak and steel barrels, and the finished wine is then aged on the lees in oak barrels (14% of which is new) for approximately 8 months. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense straw-yellow color and a broad and elegant aromatic profile with notes of stone fruit, pear, pineapple and apple blossom, quince, and delicate hints of sweet spices. On the palate, it is soft, ripe, and juicy with a bright acidity and a good fruit concentration. It is balanced and lively with a long and slightly spicy finish. Try it as an aperitif, with crab or roast chicken.

Price: £30.97 from 8wines UK