2022 ERNEST VINEYARDS SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY Pinot Noir and Chardonnay aficionados should closely watch Ernest Vineyards' trajectory. These Sonoma Coast wines offer a captivating expression of their cool-climate terroir, consistently delivering exceptional quality at a remarkable value. Year after year, Ernest Vineyards garners critical acclaim, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. Inspired by the rugged, fog-kissed hills of Sonoma County, the ideal environment for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Ernest Vineyards was founded in 2012 by Erin Brooks. In 2018, winemaker Joseph Ryan joined the winery, and together, they embraced a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the unique character of the land to shine through in every bottle. This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a masterful blend of young vine Old Wente clones and the complexity of older vine clones four and five. The 2022 vintage, precision aged for ten months on the lees in 25% new French oak, achieves a harmonious equilibrium. The oak adds depth and richness without overpowering the wine's vibrant fruit profile. WINERY NOTES: THE VINEYARD: Two new vineyard sources are at the core of this blend. From alluvial soils slightly further inland than our West Sonoma Coast Estate, young vine Old Wente and old vine Clone 4 combine to capture the essence of how we, at Ernest, view Chardonnay. Ripening earlier in the season, these grapes are picked with the acid still very intact but with full physiological ripeness. The old vines giving us full pear and ripe apples notes while the Old Wente drives the palate with minerality and verve. Native fermentations in 228L French Oak barrels, 25% of which are new, this wine was bottled after 10 months on the lees, and a light filtration. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows great purity of aromas and an uncanny freshness of character. There is plenty of fruit upfront but the most relevant aspect is the mineral angle, as in freshly cut stones and river pebbles. Citrus and green apple aromas are also present heightening the lean nature of it. This wine epitomizes cool climate chardonnay that can only be achieved from these maritime-influenced vineyards. The palate is bright, clean, and fresh with a remarkable balance of acidity and fruits. Subtlety combined with great energy makes this a quite complex experience. The freshness remains on the palate for quite some time, creating a long-lasting impression marked by loads of citric notes of lemon peel and sour tangerine.