2022 Chardonnay, Hammer Olsen Vineyard, Anderson Valley

This nostalgia-inducing Chardonnay is crafted from Sarah’s pick of pristine fruit grown at the home ranch, Navarro Vineyards. Located in the cooler westside of  Anderson Valley, the fruit is demonstrative of its “deep end” terroir and careful farming practices. The Hammer Olsen block is where the sheep-friendly trellis was first implemented in 2007 and became the blueprint for Pennyroyal’s vineyard, enabling the flock to graze and sucker year-round under heightened and sun-shielding canopies, thus reducing fossil-fuel use and labor. With a layered expression and lush mouthfeel, the wine offers a welcome basket of pear galette and fresh yellow peaches. Nine months of sur lie aging adds structure and body to the palate, as well as lemon curd flavors with a touch of cinnamon and maple on the long, full finish. We enjoy tasting how the wine’s citrusy characteristics are well-paired with its cheese equivalent, Bollie’s Mollies -- both tangy and long-lasting.

DETAILS

750 ml
100% Estate Grown Chardonnay: Clones 95, 76
20% New Oak, 9 Mos Sur Lie

Cheese Pairing: Bollie’s Mollies
Case Production: 341
Alcohol: 13.7%
TA: 6.0
pH: 3.47

AWARDS

Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection, 94 Points

Best of Class
2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Competition

Double Gold
2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Competition