($54):  The grapes for this refined and reserved Chardonnay come from two cool sites.  Roughly two-thirds come from Bald Mountain Vineyard, which is dry farmed and sits atop the second highest point of the Mayacamas Mountains.  The other third comes from the Thornton Vineyard, a cool spot that sits at the base of the Sonoma Mountain.  The relative coolness of sites coupled with the winemaking — judicious use of oak and malolactic fermentation — allows the wine to express its delicate fruitiness unencumbered by buttery oak flavors.  This is one stylish and vibrant Chardonnay.
91 Michael Apstein Dec 21, 2021