critic reviews
The 2022 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard is savory to the core, with a burst of reduction that blows off to reveal masses of dried peach and nectarine complicated by dusty florals. It’s zesty within, with a core of vibrant acidity and crunchy mineral tones further intensified by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes salty and dramatically long yet still incredibly fresh, leaving a subtle tug of sour melon. This is a wine of contrasts that’s nearly impossible to ignore.
The 2022 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1995, 2010 and 2015 in marine sedimentary soils. It was fermented and matured in 50% new barrels of various sizes for 12 months and was finished with three months in stainless steel. The nose opens with some overt flint and matchstick that quickly gives way to fragrant pear, quince and allspice. The light-bodied palate offers concentrated flavors that are still coiled and flinty at this stage. It has a silky, gently mouth-coating texture and a long, latent finish. It deserves 35 years to unwind in bottle. 425 cases were made.