2014 Chardonnay Mays Canyon

The warm, dry conditions in 2014 led to an early harvest. “2014 was very difficult,” Ted Lemon recalls. “Everything was so compact; it was all picked within less than 14 days—a very difficult vintage just in terms of logistics.” Despite the challenges, the 2014 Chardonnay Mays Canyon is maturing gracefully. It has a soaring perfume of candied peaches, brioche, elderflower and spice. The full-bodied palate is expansive and mouth coating with soft tertiary undertones, bright acidity and a long, layered finish.

Sits on the western edge of the Russian River AVA, outside Guerneville, eight miles from the coast at 200–400 ft of elevation on Hugo gravelly loam underlain by weathered, fine-grained sandstone and shale. Planted in 1999, the site is highly unusual for the Russian River surrounds it on three sides. The ranch has grown grapes since the 1800s. Farmed using organic and biodynamic methods. Whole-cluster pressed then barrel-fermented with ambient yeasts, and aged for 12–14 months in 20–25% new French oak, and another 5 months in steel before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Full malolactic conversion. 185 cases produced. Smells of lemon curd, dried lemon peel, a hint of orange peel and crushed nuts. Juicy and bright flavours of lemon peel, lemon juice, pink grapefruit and a touch of white flowers have a vibrant, shimmering quality thanks to excellent acidity. Gorgeous length, with a lovely wet-chalkboard minerality and clarity. (AY)

A model of total understatement and class, the 2014 Chardonnay Mays Canyon is striking today. Sweet floral notes meld into orchard fruit and melon in a soft, open-knit Chardonnay build on grace. A long, exceptionally polished finish rounds things out in style.