Self Isolation : Day # 30

2017 Failla Chardonnay ‘Estate Vineyard’

Ehren Jordan has been crafting wines and exploring the varied micro climates and terroirs of California’s, and most recently Oregon’s, wine growing regions since 1998. Favoring cool-climate sites for Pinot and Chard, the first blocks of the estate vineyard in cool, coastal town Cazadero, CA were planted in 1998 as well. This ‘Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay is crafted with fruit from this vineyard owned by Failla in Sonoma County’s Fort Ross – Seaview appellation where vineyards are influenced by the Pacific Ocean.

The warm, sunny days build sugars in the grapes while cool afternoon breezes and morning fog keep the acidity levels from dropping too much, resulting in ideal conditions for the grapes to reach full ripeness. This translates into a well-structured and balanced wine in the glass without having to manipulate the wine’s chemical makeup in the cellar.

The ‘Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay is produced solely from grapes grown at the original vineyard just a few miles from the ocean. Aromas of orchard fruit and citrus dominate the nose and are elevated by hints of apple blossom and vanilla bean. On the palate, ripe flavors of yellow fruit and oak spice are lifted by a backbone of acidity that keeps the wine lively and vibrant despite its rich flavors. A delight with garlic-y shrimp tacos, I wish more California Chardonnay tasted like this.