Mt Pajaro Vineyard, Chardonnay, 2021
Mt. Pajaro’s evolution continues apace, the vines now into their 12th year, planted on 18 inches of top soil over two distinct shale types – the vineyard split by the Pajaro tributary fault line. Invariably less structured than Alpine or Horseshoe, more about flow and finesse, this 2021 has nevertheless grown in stature and depth, with wonderfully grown up, smoky, mineral aromas on the nose and vivid salt and citrus impact on the palate. Energy and a sense of layered minerality pervade the entire picture here. Serious stuff!
critic reviews
The 2021 Chardonnay Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is the most ethereal and finely cut of the Chardonnays in this range. White pepper, chalk, mint, crushed rocks and citrus abound. Ethereal and understated, with tons of saline intensity, the 2021 is compelling in every way. I especially admire its translucent intensity. Bright saline notes reverberate throughout. I would prefer to cellar this, but a few hours of aeration will also do the trick. Magnificent.