As you probably noticed, the last few offerings we had from Ernest disappeared fast! Thankfully, I was able to go back to the winery and rustle up another phenomenal deal, this time on their 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Hailing from a single vineyard called Ocean View Vineyard on the western edge of Green Valley / West Sonoma Coast, the wine is made in part from Old Wente Clone fruit, combined with younger plantings of Clone 4 Chardonnay. The style is classic Ernest: fresh, vibrant, full of zesty mineral tones and lots of energy. Native yeast fermented and matured in largely neutral French oak, this is very much in a Chablis-esque style, with great focus and saline minerality. Coming in at just 12% ABV, this racy Chard has lifted white flowers, crunchy orchard fruit, quince, Golden Delicious apple, citrus oil, raw hazelnut, chalky minerals, and a subtle toasted grain / pie crust note on the finish. Really focused and refreshing, and a spectacular value at our deeply discounted price. We bought everything we could - don’t miss it!

While the last few Ernest releases have been spectacular, this Sonoma Coast Chardonnay takes it up a notch. Elegant and racy, this wine has notes of lemon zest, crunchy green apple, orange peel, and honeysuckle on the palate with a long, mineral-driven finish. An exceptional white wine for summer, I believe this Chardonnay is the best of the Ernest wines.