We have the best price I've seen in 15 years on this estate-grown Chardonnay from the far reaches of the west Sonoma coast. In fact the last time we sold this wine for less than $20 was all the way back to the 2007 vintage! Don't confuse this wine with the less expensive (but still totally delicious) "Sea Slopes" bottling. Oh no, this is the Fort Ross Estate Vineyard bottling from old Wente clone Chardonnay planted just one mile from the ocean on a dramatic mountain ridge in the remote Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Along with Flowers and Hirsch, Fort Ross Vineyard is one of the pioneers of this rugged and intensely ocean influenced region. Only the elevation of the vines (1,000ft - 1,800ft) keeps them just above the cold fog and allows slow, gentle ripening in this ultra cold climate. The mature vines planted in the late 1980s and early 1990s are heritage clone selections chosen for the utmost quality and complexity. The wines at Fort Ross Vineyard are made by the incredibly talented Jeff Pisoni, son of Santa Lucia Highlands legendary vigneron Gary Pisoni. Jeff has an incredible career of his own and crafts world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay up and down the northern California coast. 2023 was a picture perfect vintage with moderate temperatures and a long, stable run of weather deep into October allowing long hangtimes and pinpoint picking decisions by winemakers. This Chardonnay really captures what I love about wines from this part of the world, richness and restraint, power and precision. The wine is so flavorful and intense, but at the same time it has so much verve and tension, mouthwatering acidity and saline minerals. Certainly more in the citrus fruit spectrum with zested Buddha's Hand, lovely toasted grain nuances, lemon curd, almond paste, white flowers, cracked barley, flaky croissant. Subtle oak spice is well measured and not overwhelming. The wine really opens in the glass and with a little warmer temperature. Beautiful balance and poise. Unbelievable for this razor sharp price.

Bright and coastal-driven, this Chardonnay opens with crisp citrus and green apple, layered with melon and a subtle hint of honey. Perched high above the Pacific, Fort Ross Vineyard’s cool temperatures, constant ocean winds, and rocky coastal soils shape a wine that’s naturally vibrant and precise. The Fort Ross–Seaview influence keeps everything fresh and focused, while restrained oak adds roundness without overshadowing the fruit. Clean, balanced, and quietly generous, it delivers impressive precision for the price — a confident expression of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that punches well above its weight.