2021 Fort Ross Seaview Chardonnay

The 2021 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is bright and effusive, with lovely floral and mineral character. This understated, mid-weight Chardonnay is all subtlety and class. The 2021 is beautifully done, but my impression is that it needs time to show the full breadth of its personality.

The 2021 Chardonnay Charles Ranch has a youthful golden hue and wonderful purity and finesse in its perfumed layers of golden peach, fresh pear, and fresh flowers. On the palate, it feels more Burgundian, with great freshness, delicate salinity, and a silky texture. Drink 2023-2033. Carlo and Dante Mondavi founded RAEN in the West Sonoma Coast AVA with the goal of seeking California Grand Cru-equivalent sites in the Freestone-Occidental area, and this year saw the promotion of Melanie McIntre from associate winemaker to winemaker. Less than two miles from the ocean, their wines are vibrant expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the vineyard, they practice no-till farming. The 2021 vintage introduces the first vintage of the Chardonnay Lady Marjorie, an homage to their grandmother and intended to be the counterpoint to the Royal St. Robert tribute of Pinot Noir. Seafield is a roughly 4-acre vineyard and is the rockiest site, with an eastern exposure at 1500 feet of elevation. Bodega is surrounded by redwood forest and is the smallest vineyard at just under two acres. Though the Chardonnays are certainly high quality, the Pinot Noirs capture another level of personality and energy that I find quite compelling.

A racy, tangy and bright young white with white-truffle and chalk undertones. Medium-bodied and tight with a stony finish. Barrel sample.