The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has been recommended by MaryAnn Worobiec in her article, “10 Stunning Sonoma Chardonnays at 90+ Points,” on the Wine Spectator website.

10 Stunning Sonoma Chardonnays at 90+ Points

Wine Spectator

April 3, 2023

MaryAnn Worobiec

“New reviews of California whites that show the intersection of quality and value among celebrated Chardonnay terroirs, with several values priced less than $35”

“This week’s selection focuses on Chardonnays from Sonoma. The grape and region are a solid match, particularly in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, where cooling breezes and fogs can help preserve fresh acidity while sunny days give grapes ripe fruit flavors. This group of outstanding-rated wines also highlights how California Chardonnays are trending toward fresh and vibrant styles today. Chardonnay lovers can still find hints of butter or candied notes akin to Chardonnays from the 1990s and early 2000s, but now on a mouthwatering frame. Balance and restraint are what to expect here.

Now in the hands of winemaker Jason Jardine, Hanzell has an impressive history in California and was a leader in Chardonnay’s development there. Grapes for its Sebella bottling are mostly from younger Chardonnay vines on the Hanzell estate, fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral French oak barrels to preserve delicate aromas and fresh Bartlett pear, lime, and pomelo flavors.

On the other end of the modern style spectrum, winemaker Linda Trotta of Reata (Spanish for “lariat” or “lasso”) coaxes some richness in her broad and rich Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, using barrel fermentation and lees stirring. But again, bright acidity comes in on the finish to keep the flavors focused.

Keep an eye on wines from The Calling, a brand created by Emmy-winning sports commentator Jim Nantz and Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits CEO Peter Deutsch. The two men met by chance and bonded over a love of wine and a desire to honor their fathers. The Calling’s winemaker, James MacPhail, has a knack for working with acclaimed Sonoma vineyard sites—in this case, the famed Dutton Ranch—and letting their strengths shine through. The Calling’s 2020 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay is distinctive with honey, candied ginger, and cardamon spice notes, and a core of citrus. Fifth-generation Dutton-Goldfield owner Steve Dutton and winemaker Dan Goldfield also offer a Dutton Ranch bottling below. Highlighting the vines of an important Sonoma winegrowing family, this white strikes a lovely balance of floral, citrus, and orchard fruit notes.”

2021 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Intensely juicy, with wonderful purity to the pear, pineapple, and tangerine flavors, notes of lemon blossoms, and dashes of honey and spices. Shows mouthwatering acidity on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of minerality lingers. Drink now.” -MaryAnn Worobiec