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

Tasting Note: This is the kind of chardonnay that ABC drinkers didn’t anticipate (and good for us).

Medium-intensity gold in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of baked-green apple, pear compote, passion fruit, white nectarine and vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied chardonnay delivers medium-plus-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity with just the lightest touch of oak in the spirit of white-Burgundy restraint.

There is balance between the fruit and oak, loads of midpalate complexity and depth across the entire length of the taste.

A fantastic expression of the winemaker’s vision for chardonnay.

See review of the same vintage tasted on another date.

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 malo-lactic finish. A perfect complement to savory chicken and fish dishes, as well as first course fare like salads, creamy soups, and appetizers. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 150 cases made.