Spring Release Wester Reach Chardonnay
2023

Winemaker’s Notes

Our “Wester Reach” Chardonnay is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm vines. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed, and harvested for over twenty-five years. Comprising four of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor richness, ridge top acidity or coastal vibrancy.

The late and cool 2023 vintage is among the greatest winegrowing seasons in modern Californian history – in fact, arguably the finest ever – and each vineyard performed toward its maximum potential. It was a drawn-out season with zero heat concerns, so the fruit was able to hang on the vine, building nuance and intensity while retaining acidity and crystalline purity. The wines will drink beautifully soon after release and gain complexity in the bottle for many years.

Soaring aromatic intensity blends white flowers, thyme, aniseed, ginger, and citrus fruits. The wine is wonderfully engaging with flavors akin to lime juice, white peach, hazelnut, and briny green olive. The palate is taut yet deep and resonant, with mineral acidity cutting through its natural richness and broad texture. It has great drive throughout and really fans out on the finish to leave a lingering echo of citrus oil and oyster shell intensity. Drink between 2025 and 2033.

Andy Smith