2016 Gold Rock Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay
Vibrant natural acidity is the defining element of this wine. This cool-climate coastal minerality adds poise and sophistication, while lifting the grapefruit, clove, floral and spice aromas. The palate is elegant and energetic, with notes of papaya, mango and white chocolate, as well as a hint of limestone-like chalkiness that adds a pleasant counterpoint of tension.
2016 was another fantastic growing season. It started out with good winter rainfall, which after four years of drought, was a big relief. While the summer of 2016 was quite hot, a perfectly timed cool-down over a three-week period in August allowed the grapes to ripen with moderate sugar levels. It also preserved the acidity that is so essential to making great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Thus, the quality is exceptional with vivid, alluring flavors in the Chardonnays and deep colors and gorgeous aromatics in the Pinot Noir.
Located on the extreme Sonoma Coast, just 6 miles from the ocean at an elevation above the fog line, Goldrock Ridge is the westernmost vineyard that we work with. It is a windswept site that receives abundant sunshine thanks to its west-facing aspect. The grapes for this wine come from Dijon clone 76 and Robert Young clone Chardonnay vines grown in the vineyard’s uplifted marine soils.
100% Chardonnay fruit
100% Whole-cluster pressed
100% indigenous yeast fermentation (wild)
Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (40% new; 60% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Sonoma Coast
- Vintage:
- 2016
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay
- Aging:
- 100% Burgundian French oak barrels (40% new; 60% 1-2-year old)
- Alcohol:
- 14.4%