2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard
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Owner/winemaker James Hall wanted to make another single vineyard Chardonnay outside of Sonoma County and was lucky enough to get some from Soberanes for the 2021 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard starting in 2018. Spicy and minerally-driven, it has an ample, juicy mouthfeel of pear and melon, and while also medium-bodied and offering that SLH intensity, it shows underlying delicacy, too. The oak adds spice and toasty notes, Enjoy through 2029. First founded in 1988 by Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses, and Heather Patz, since 2024 this Sonoma County-based producer has been owned by James Hall once again, after years with Chateau Ste. Michelle. He makes about 20 individual wines and has longstanding relationships with many of his growers, from the Russian River Valley to the Santa Lucia Highlands.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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The 2021 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard was barrel fermented and matured for 16 months in 25% new French oak. It has open-knit aromas of red apples, jasmine, beeswax, pastry and matchstick. The medium-bodied palate is just as generous, offering expansive, savory fruit tempered by firm acidity, and it has a long, ethereal finish. 147 cases were made.
The 2021 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard has such a bewitching nose, blending mint, tangerine peel, toasty vanilla and marzipan. Driven, linear and focused, this is a chiseled wine with ample body and richness. The 2021 finishes with attractive tension and discernible cut. Oak is a player here, but it sits in the right place. Very well done.