






Grape Culture
- 92 Points, Robert Parker
2023 Sangiacomo Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Roberts Road Vineyard - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma
Sangiacomo Vineyard, Roberts Road is nestled in the Petaluma Gap subregion of the Sonoma Coast. The cool climate and rocky soils at the base of Sonoma Mountain create the perfect conditions to produce vibrant, rich fruited Chardonnay. The 2023 is our second vintage for Grape Culture, rounding out our line of single vineyard wines from iconic growers and is a testament to the diversity in skills from our winemaking team.ย
Profile
The palate entry is crisp and invigorating, immediately awakening the senses with vibrant acidity and a wave of fresh citrus flavors. Meyer lemon, lime, and green apple dominate the forefront, leading to a core of white peach and subtle pear. The influence of new French oak is seamlessly integrated, providing a creamy texture and nuanced flavors of vanilla and baking spice, adding richness without heaviness. The concrete element shines through on the mid-palate, bringing a distinct saline minerality and a refreshing linearity that cuts through the richness, enhancing the wine's overall balance and length. The malolactic fermentation is expertly managed, contributing a subtle creaminess that complements the vibrant acidity, rather than overpowering it.
Appearance: Pale straw-gold hue, shimmering with youthful brilliance. The color is delicate yet vibrant, suggesting a wine of both elegance and energy. It displays excellent clarity and a light-medium viscosity, swirling gracefully in the glass and leaving subtle, delicate tears, hinting at a balanced structure.
Aroma: The nose opens with an immediate burst of freshness and aromatic complexity, showcasing the unique terroir of Roberts Road and the sophisticated winemaking. Bright citrus notes of freshly squeezed lemon and mandarin zest mingle with crisp orchard fruits like Granny Smith apple and Bosc pear. Delicate floral nuances of honeysuckle and white blossoms add a layer of ethereal beauty. The barrel fermentation in new French oak imparts refined notes of vanilla bean, toasted brioche, and a subtle hint of almond croissant. Crucially, the concrete fermentation contributes a distinct stony minerality, reminiscent of crushed seashells and wet granite, grounding the fruit and adding a savory complexity that speaks to the Petaluma Gap terroir. The aroma is vibrant, layered, and exquisitely balanced, promising a Chardonnay of both richness and finesse.
Winemaker notes
Handpicked at night for early processing. Pressed whole cluster.
Barrel fermented in 60% new french oak and 40% concrete at 55 degrees. Malolactic fermentation in barrel.
This 2023 Sangiacomo Chardonnay from Roberts Road Vineyard is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted Chardonnay that perfectly captures the essence of the Sonoma Coast and the Petaluma Gap. It is a wine of remarkable balance and complexity, showcasing a harmonious interplay of vibrant citrus and orchard fruit, refined oak nuances, and a distinctive, terroir-driven minerality. The skillful use of both new French oak and concrete fermentation, combined with lees aging and well-managed malolactic fermentation, results in a Chardonnay that is both rich and refreshing, creamy and crisp, elegant and energetic. This is a truly compelling Chardonnay that speaks to the quality of Sangiacomo fruit and the artistry of the winemaking, a wine to be savored and appreciated for its nuanced character and exceptional balance.
Wine specs
- Vintage 2023
- Varietal Chardonnay (100%)
- Aging Aged 11 months on the lees, 60% new french oak, 40% 2nd use French Oak
- Serving Temp 55F
- Winemaker Collin Cranor & Craig Ploof
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2023 Sangiacomo Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
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