2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Full bottle 1,344 g. Dry-farmed, ungrafted vines planted in the Bohan Vineyard in 1972 at 1,400 ft, just over three miles from the Pacific on Goldridge and sandy loam soils. Picked by hand on 7 September. Spontaneous fermentation in five French oak barrels (one new) after whole-bunch pressing. Pale greenish straw colour. A hint of pineapple overlays lemon scents and a beautiful marriage of fruit and (marked) acidity. I hope Jamie Kutch won't go the way of the austerity displayed by some Australian Chardonnay producers. He's not there yet ... Excellent bright fruit and purity of texture. I wonder why he doesn't label it Bohan Vineyard? A wine to keep until next year, I feel, to allow it to soften a little. No hurry. (JR)