Planted in 1994 to an heirloom selection of Old Wente Clone Chardonnay, Richard DinnerVineyard has earned a place as one of California's Grand Cru sites. This exceptional,hillside block is perched high on Sonoma Mountain, facing Northwards towards the Sonoma Valley,and is surrounded by native oak forest. The burly, weathered trunks of these vines raise low-vigorcanopies and very small clusters of chicks and hens berries, yielding fruit with gently sun-kissed skinand abundant concentration and acidity.Owner/Manager: The Dinner Family, Loma Del Sol Vineyard Management.Appellation: Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County.Vine Age: Planted in 1994.Soils: Mixed volcanic ash, brown loam, and volcanic tuft. Low fertility and excellent drainage.Clone: Old Wente.Harvested: October 10. 22.5 brix. 3.40 pH. 6.8 g/L titratable acidity.Growing Season: Wet Winter and Spring conditions fully flushed and replenished the soil profilewith fresh, clean water. Cool conditions persisted throughout Spring and Summer, slowing sugaraccumulation and preserving acidity in the berries. Fall was mild and mostly-dry, allowing extendedand much needed hang-time for ripening and flavor concentration. Harvesting occurred about 2weeks later than typical, 2023 is graded as an epic vintage for Sonoma Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Winemaking: Hand harvested in the cold of night. Cold fruit gravity-fed, whole cluster, to press. Pressed juice settled 12 hours in stainless steel, then racked off gross lees to barrels. No SO 2added prior to fermentation. Concurrent native yeast and native malo-lactic fermentations in barrels; 3 months tocompletion. 57% new French Oak and 43% 2-year old French Oak barrels. Aged sur lies for 15 months in barrels. Minimal SO 2 usage. Bottled un-fined and un-filtered in February, 2025. 13.9% ABV. 172 cases produced.Tasting Notes: Epitomizes a modern approach on classic, California Chardonnay. Brilliant, bright gold hue. Bursting with exotic aromas of lemon méringue pie, jasmine flowers, and baking spices. Layered flavors of poached pear, candied ginger, vanilla custard, and elegant French Oak. Viscous and rich, balanced by a bright, chalky-mineral finish. This wine is delicious and leaves you wanting more!
