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Fort Ross Vineyard

2017 Sea Slopes Chardonnay

2017 Sea Slopes Chardonnay

Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Harvest Date
September
Aging
10 months in Stainless Steel & Neutral French oak; 0% new oak
Bottling Date
July 2018
Wine Advocate
90
Add To Cart
$30.00
 
SOLD OUT

Sea Slopes Chardonnay is inspired by the majestic Sonoma Coast and the steep rugged ridges perched at the golden edge of the continent. Here, the cool maritime climate produces fruit of exceptional quality and allows us to craft wines of great elegance and purity. 

90 Points - Wine Advocate
Fermented in stainless steel and neutral barrels, the 2017 Chardonnay Sea Slopes has a fresh, open nose of Golden Delicious apple, sliced pear, white blossoms and baker’s yeast. Light to medium-bodied, it offers fresh fruit flavors with honeyed accents, juicy acidity and a long flavorful finish.

90 Points - James Suckling
A slightly reduced nose here. The screw cap has wound this up a little, so give it some air. The palate has smoothly delivered fruit flesh and a luxurious core of pears. Drink now.

USA TODAY: Slip into Fall, Delicious.
The Sea Slopes Chardonnay from Fort Ross on the Sonoma Coast offers a wealth of flavor and complexity, with delightful fruit character and a silky texture. Its crispness and balance make it a versatile wine selection for fall.

FORBES: Very Good
Aromas of lemon custard, yellow peach and apricot pit. Medium-full, this is a ripe, slightly lush style of Chardonnay with excellent ripeness. Good acidity and delicate yellow spice notes. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.

Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Fragrant aromas of zesty lemon with notes of honeysuckle and white grapefruit are immediately evident, followed by a pleasing mineral character and a touch of toasted brioche. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with pronounced citrus tones and hints of white peach and apricot. The silky, smooth texture that reflects a deft hand in winemaking and the long, seamless finish completes beautiful Chardonnay.
Vineyard Notes
The 2017 growing season welcomed generous rainfall for the first several months of the year. After five drought years the soils were hydrated and our irrigation pond was brimming. A warmer than usual spring brought an early fruit-set. The summer enjoyed mild to average, 80-85° temperatures, allowing the grapes to develop ideal complexity and flavors. During the first week of September, all of California experienced a heat spike, but temperatures then mellowed during the remainder of harvest, allowing the fruit to be picked at the ideal time.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes for this Chardonnay were hand-sorted to include only the finest fruit, which was then gently pressed. Fermentation occurred in the ideal combination of stainless steel for vibrancy and freshness and French oak barrels which adds great texture and length to the finish. The wine completed malolactic fermentation, adding a supple richness. Prior to bottling it was aged on the lees with occasional gentle stirring culminating in a pure expression of Chardonnay from the extreme Sonoma Coast.
Production
4445 Cases
Other Notes
Winemaker: Jeff Pisoni

2017 Sea Slopes Chardonnay

Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Harvest Date
September
Aging
10 months in Stainless Steel & Neutral French oak; 0% new oak
Bottling Date
July 2018
Wine Advocate
90
Add To Cart
$30.00
 
SOLD OUT