Flowers 2016 Chardonnay

The dramatic landscape of the Sonoma Coast, with its steep hillsides and windswept foothills, gives us a diverse profile of welldraining soils, while direct proximity to the Pacific Ocean results in a long, cool growing season. These extreme coastal conditions allow us to produce a layered Chardonnay with bright fruit focus, complex minerality and crystalline acidity. Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is sourced from a small selection of family-owned sites, including our estate Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard.

The 2016 growing season was a welcomed one for the Flowers team when compared to the turbulent year prior. Much needed winter rains came in December and January which broke the dry cycle from the last four years, filling ponds and replenishing nutrients in our soils. Temperatures were cool enough on the estate to postpone bud break to the beginning of March; still early but not compared to prior years. A warm spring hinted at the potential of an accelerated growing season, providing fully developed clusters. Mild summer temperatures resulted in even ripening, and the balanced presence of coastal fog brought the phenolic chemistry of the fruit to optimal harvest levels during late August.

Alcohol: 13.5%

92 POINTS - "The 2016 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous appellation level wine. Intensely perfumed, with tons of sheer class, the 2016 has so much to offer. The tropical fruit, mint and floral notes are pliant and open in this creamy, polished Chardonnay from Flowers. This is a terrific introduction to the vintage." Vinous

91 POINTS - "The 2016 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast offers up subtle lemongrass, grapefruit and nectarine notes with touches of chalk dust and fresh ginger. Medium-bodied with well-played freshness accenting the creamy texture and quiet intensity of stone fruit flavors, it delivers a long, minerally finish." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

90 POINTS - "From the 'true' Sonoma Coast on Camp Meeting Ridge, so-called because local Kashaya Indians and trappers once traded there. A subdued nose leads onto a palate that spells ripeness and power, countered by vivid freshness on the fluid, concentrated palate. A hint of smoke - this was fermented and matured in French oak - rounds out the rich palate, with ripe stone fruit peeping through alongside zesty, ripe lemon peel." Decanter

Medium yellow in color. Aromas of straw, lemon verbena and honeysuckle mingle with layers of lemon meringue and lychee. Upon entry are flavors of lemon curd, honeydew, and hints of star fruit and wet stone, balanced with a touch of fine grained tannin. The crisp finish is countered with a spicy note of white pepper and lingers with coastal minerality