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- Chardonnay
2019 Damiana Vineyard Chardonnay
"Baked apple, Bartlett pear, dried pineapple, seared peach and sea salt all make an aromatic showing on the nose of this bottling from vines planted in 1978. A stony tension frames the sip, where a bright acidity splashes into the roasted apple flavors."
93 pts, Wine Enthusiast
Vineyard
Damiana Vineyard is the eldest vineyard, planted in 1978, often producing dense and opulent Chardonnay. Its exposure is primarily southwestern, leading to more sun during the growing season, though this site is heavily influenced by maritime breeze most afternoons. Shallow topsoil of fractured Lambert Shale and mudstone limit vigor and lead to wines with great concentration and intensity. This vineyard is typically the first to be harvested of our estate Chardonnay.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 vintage will go down as a classic year in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Unsettled weather in the spring resulted in poor flowering, and lower yields in some blocks. The summer was warm, but not oppressive. The lack of extreme heat events was a welcome change. Harvest began in mid-September, finishing up in mid to late October. The wines are concentrated with a fine balance of structure and fruit intensity. Site expression seems amplified; low yields and moderate temperatures often lead to some of our most singular and terroir driven wines.
Technical Data
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Damiana Vineyard
Acid
6.3
pH
3.56
Alcohol %
13.2
Wine Enthusiast
93
Other Notes
The 2019 Chardonnay Damiana Vineyard is a wild, exotic wine. Tropical accents suggest an extroverted Chardonnay, but the 2019 is actually quite reticent on the palate. Tangerine oil spice, chamomile and light honeyed overtones develop with a bit of coaxing. The Damiana is a bit strict today, especially compared to the other Chardonnays in this range, but it really blossoms with air, which allows the weight to really emerge. - 93 points. Antonio Galloni. Vinous