Spring Release Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel Chardonnay
2021

Winemaker’s Notes

This is our twentieth vintage bottling Heintz Chardonnay and one of the elite vintages for quality and character. We’ve crafted so many memorable wines from these magical vines since I first set foot in the vineyard way back in 1998. The wines are incredibly distinctive, unlike anything else in Sonoma or California as a whole, and that’s down to the special vineyard site itself. High elevation, close to the ocean, long lingering fog influence, late-season ripening, and precise farming combine to give the fruit striking intensity and style. Our 2021 ranks alongside 2002, 2007, 2013 and 2019 as my favorite expressions.

Classic Heintz aromas that are simultaneously exotic and focused: ginger and honey; lemongrass and sweet mint; chamomile and sea spray. Intense lemon and lime oil dominate the flavors with green apple and taut minerals. The texture is deep and layered with tremendous volume and fruit extract. The wine’s vibrant acidity lifts this richness adding tension and freshness. Long echo of savory botanical intensity and lingering flinty edge. Serve no cooler than 55°F and drink between mid-2023 and 2028.

Andy Smith