2023 Drew "Sandstone & Shale" Mendocino County Chardonnay

From the Clow Ridge and Valenti vineyards, Sandstone & Shale is the Chardonnay counterpart to the Fog Eater Pinot, which similarly comes from the cool, coastal climate and unique terroir of these two sites. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, contributing to its fresh, vibrant character, salinity, and shell-like minerality. A bit of bâtonnage and 11 months on lees add texture and depth, giving the wine a nutty quality. The 2023 vintage benefited from a long, cool growing season, with harvest taking place in the third week of October for Clow Ridge, followed by Valenti a week later. This extended hang time allowed complex aromas to develop, with notes of ripe pear, grapefruit, and a hint of coastal brine. The result is a wine that balances freshness with depth, offering a delightful combination of fruit, minerality, and savoury nuances. (CP)