2022 Merryvale Chardonnay Sunchase

100% Chardonnay

Winemaking

The inaugural vintage from Sunchase Vineyard sets a new standard for Chardonnay excellence in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Hand-harvested at night to preserve its vibrant acidity, the grapes were delicately whole cluster pressed. After settling in a temperature-controlled stainless steel tank, the juice was then transferred to French oak barrels the next day. Embracing classic techniques, the wine underwent spontaneous native yeast fermentation in barrel, complemented by gentle battonage to enhance texture and complexity. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation further enriched the wine’s character. Aging gracefully for 14 months on fine lees in barrel, it was meticulously racked once before bottling. The result is a Chardonnay of unparalleled depth and elegance, showcasing the harmonious interplay between fruit purity and meticulous winemaking craftsmanship. 

Tasting Notes

On the nose there are notes of lemon curd, dried apricot, and yellow peach with a chalky minerality and a slight hint of caramel resulting from the minimal use of lightly toasted new oak barrels. On the palate the wine opens bright and fresh with a creaminess on the mid-palate due to the barrel fermentation and sur lie aging giving the wine richness but the use of partial malolactic fermentation allows the wine to retain a vibrancy that creates a very long finish.