2020 Highland Divide Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
2016 was the first vintage. This comes from two, high Green Valley Dutton Ranch vineyards west of Sebastopol at about 200 m on Goldridge soils. Vines aged 15 and 25 years. This wine is offered exclusively to private customers. Mass selection of both Wente and Mt Eden clones. They’re usually the first to pick these vineyards, along with Hyde Vineyard. Historically low yield – 35% of average – because of drought and unsettled weather at bloom. Bottled 15 months ago. Fresh, lightly floral and citrus nose. Quite a rich, concentrated palate. Notably long. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Chardonnay Highland Divide is fresh with pristine green apple and candied lemon citrus. The palate is rounded up front but has a core of tension-driven acidity with peach and a light bitter almond finish. This is an exceptional wine to drink over the next 10 or more years.
The 2020 Chardonnay Highland Divide, released direct-to-consumer only, has pure, gregarious aromas of baked apples and peaches, roasted almonds, honey, pastry and a classy frame of new oak spice. The palate surprises with its high concentration and balancing bursts of refreshing acidity. Ultra satiny, it offers loads of spicy flavor layers and a very long finish driven by a touch of phenolic texture.
The 2020 Chardonnay Highland Divide is a pretty, upfront wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and ripe apricot give the Highland Divide an attractive, exotic flair. This weightless, gracious Chardonnay is very nicely done.