Description

Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is sourced from our organically farmed estate vineyard, Camp Meeting Ridge, as well as several family-owned vineyards that share our farming philosophy and commitment to highlighting the purity of these coastal sites. This wine reflects the unique characteristics of our estates: coastal influence, topography, and distinctive soils.

Among the first to see the potential for growing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along the fog-shrouded Pacific Ocean, we have refined our understanding of our estate properties with each passing vintage. Sometimes referred to as the “far” Sonoma Coast, our rugged, windswept vineyards represent extreme viticulture in the pursuit of crafting wines representative of time and place.

Working in agricultural isolation on the edge of the coast, just north of the town of Jenner, is done with a very specific goal in mind…to present a pure expression of one of the world’s truly exceptional places to make wine. Our organic practices emphasize our approach as stewards of the land, resulting in healthier vines and higher quality soils. Our commitment to stewardship along with our organic and biodynamic farming practices have been unwavering constants of our winemaking philosophy since our inception.

First planted in 1991, Camp Meeting Ridge is our flagship estate vineyard and the source for Camp Meeting Ridge Chardonnay and Camp Meeting Ridge Pinot Noir. Situated a mere two miles from the ocean at nearly 1,500 feet, its fruit combines elements of chilly coastal weather and mountain character. Perched on a knoll above the fog line, its carefully contoured vine rows bask in sunshine throughout the growing season while the ambient temperatures remain cool.

The Vineyard

Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is sourced from our organically farmed estate vineyard, Camp Meeting Ridge, as well as several family-owned vineyards that share our farming philosophy and commitment to highlighting the purity of these coastal sites. This wine reflects the unique characteristics of our estates: coastal influence, topography, and distinctive soils.

Some of our long-standing vineyard partners are Ross Ridge Vineyard, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, and Bohan Ranch.

Vintage Notes

The 2023 Sonoma Coast growing season was a classic—a throwback to consistently cooler times marked by slow and steady flavor development, with balance an organic result. At the time of winter pruning, the amount of wood on the vines offered reserves of power, the promise of energy in thick canes. And moving into spring, the soils were saturated, spongy with generous rainfall. Moisture and cool temperatures delayed cover crops, and bud break was our latest on record. Generally mild temperatures through summer kept growth consistent with the slow season, and after an equally late veraison, flavors developed with restraint. Harvest time offered a soft landing, with the luxury of hang time, call it a beautiful exercise in patience-to achieve savory, high-acid wines at lower alcohol levels, wines with the natural stamp of time and place.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested September 11 – November 2, 2023. The fermentation process utilizes 100% native yeast. The wine is fermented 80% in 288L barrels, 20% in stainless steel tanks. It then undergoes aging in 100% French oak (18% new).

The Wine

Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast features a straw yellow color. Mouthwatering and vibrant, this chardonnay balances elegance and energy with a seamless through line from nose to finish. Notes of fresh evergreen aromas open to mandarin orange edged with pithy lime and layers of subtle coastal brininess. On the palate, the citrus-expressed with hints of plushness-stands in dichotomy with a beautiful backbone of acidity, as a distinctive herbal character emerges at the core. Lovely layers of texture derived from flinty minerality expand into a pure and vibrant finish.

Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Straw yellow
• AROMA: Fresh evergreen, mandarin orange edged with pithy lime and layers of subtle coastal brininess
• TASTE: Rich and plush flavors of citrus, herbal undertones and balanced by a crisp minerality
• FINISH: Pure and vibrant
• ABV: 13.5%