2022 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay
The 2022 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay displays richness to its core. The effusive, baked apple, almost toasted sugar notes lend an inviting opulence to the nose. On the palate there is a broadness and density of perfectly ripe tree fruits which bestows a succulence, along with acid tension to balance richness. Although the wine is dry, there is an unctuous brioche opulence to the finish, which puts this among the pantheon of classic, ripely-styles California Chardonnays.
The 2022 vintage in Sonoma was remarkable, marked by a series of climatic challenges and triumphs. Below-average rainfall during the winter months was mitigated by the heavy rains in March and April. A sustained heatwave in August accelerated ripeness, leading to a compressed harvest. The 2022 wines are shaping up to be exceptional, with delightful fruit profiles, acid structures, and concentration. It’s a vintage that captures the essence of Sonoma’s terroir, promising wines that are vibrant, complex, and true to their vineyard origins.
Durell Vineyard is planted in a protected valley in the southwestern hills of Sonoma Valley. Our 3.5-acre section of the vineyard is known as the “Sand Hill” block—a rolling section of uplifted sandy, ancient ocean floor offering superb drainage and austere, low-vigor soils. Though planted in the early 1990s, over the past several years, Sand Hill has been the focus of extensive viticultural work. This has further elevated the quality of the Dijon Clone 76 grapes from these two-decade old vines.
100% Whole-cluster pressed
100% indigenous yeast fermentations
Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (33% new; 67% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
This wine is Vegan
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Sonoma Valley
- Vintage:
- 2022
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay fruit
- Alcohol:
- 14.5