
2018 Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast (375 mL)
92 Points - Tasting Panel
Winemaker Notes
Subtle gold tones shine through in this 2018 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Hints of baking
spices and warm apple pie meld together to meet the nose. The fruit manifests rich textural
body with extended notes of toasted hazelnut, vanilla custard and crème brulee that rein in
the perfect balance of acidity and minerality.
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Harvest Date
September 10th - October 28th, 2018
Sugar
23° Avg Brix at Harvest
Acid
5.5 g/L
pH
3.79
Aging
10 months sur lie; French, American and Hungarian oak, 25% new
Alcohol %
14.1
Production Notes
The 2018 growing season was one of the most consistent in recent memory. Mild spring
weather led to prime fruit set and ideal growing conditions to set the stage for producing
the perfect Chardonnay. The temperate weather allowed for an extended hang-time and
substantial ripening without ever being exposed to raisining. The fruit for this 2018
Chardonnay was brought into the winery from September 10th - October 28th, 2018 at
optimal ripeness.
Vineyard Notes
Since its founding, Chalk Hill has been producing artisan wines from our Estate vineyards in the hills of northeastern
Sonoma County. For four decades we have studied, prodded and coaxed our complex terroir to ensure that our Estate wines
deliver vivid aromatics, commanding flavors, great character and regional accuracy. While our 300+ acres of vineyards
surrounding the winery will always be the cornerstone of our identity, starting with the 2011 vintage, in addition to our
Estate Chardonnay, we started producing our first Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. This 2018 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes
from extraordinary vineyards throughout Sonoma County consisting primarily of Foley Family estate vineyards. Our Sonoma
Coast Chardonnay features fruit from some of the best sites in the Russian River Valley, Carneros, and Chalk Hill. The fruit
coming from the Chalk Hill AVA provides richness, concentration, viscosity and nuttiness, while the Carneros AVA
delivers structure and notes of apple and pear.