Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Chardonnay 2014, Sichel Vineyard, Russian River, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Note: An enjoyable chardonnay with heft and just a sprinkling of oak in a more reserved, white-Burgundy style.

Medium-intensity gold in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of ripe golden apple, vanilla baking spice, baked pear, quince, nectarine and blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied chardonnay delivers, ripe, golden-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity completing with a tart, lemon-citrus, medium-plus finish.

There is midpalate complexity, depth of flavor and balance between the fruit and oak.

This is the way chardonnay with oak restraint was meant to be made.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. We would like to recognize Ron Sichel for his enduring patience, expertise, and passion in developing this exquisite old vine vineyard. This true to varietal chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged. Expressing mixed melons, citrus flavors, and granny smith apples, this pleaser is balanced with light oak and a creamy malolactic finish. A perfect complement to savory chicken and fish dishes, as well as first course faire like salads, creamy soups, and appetizers. – Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 150 cases made.