From the wine archives:
2015 Peay Vineyards Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Coast
Though we select the barrels for the Estate Chardonnay first, the Sonoma Coast is not an after-thought, or even a lesser wine. Regional wines – what we refer to here as AVA wines – are usually composites from grapes grown at many sites within an AVA. That is the case for the Peay Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, too. Over 75% of the blend, however, comes from our Estate Vineyard and is farmed to the same exacting standards. The remaining quarter (just a few tons) comes from the Searby Vineyard in the southern portion of the West Sonoma Coast near Occidental. Searby is one of the most highly sought-after vineyards for vineyard-designate Chardonnay in Sonoma County. As it is a touch warmer in Occidental, that portion of the blend offers a little more richness and silkiness while the structure and fruit profile of the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is very much one of a Peay Estate Chardonnay and has a similar intensity and complexity.
All seven acres of Chardonnay from our estate vineyard were in full production and making excellent wine by 2014 so we were able to reduce the amount of purchased fruit for the 2015 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay to about 35% of the blend. This change led to the increased minerality and “Estate” flavor profile of the 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and is evi- dent in the 2015, as well. The alluring and youthful nose of the 2015 emphasizes curd, golden delicious apple, and green banana aromas. I expect these youthful aromas to coalesce and diminish in richness with 1-2 years more in bottle but are quite attractive at this stage of development. The mouth has a silky, slightly oily texture that is round yet precise; a quality of Vanessa’s winemaking I find singular and extraordinary. The finish emphasizes our Estate Chardonnay’s mineral (think chalk, lead, stone) profile with excellent acidity and a medium to long finish.
Reviews for this wine
The 2015 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is rich, creamy and exceptionally polished. Apricot, peach, mint and a touch of new oak all meld together effortlessly. Oily and unctuous, the 2015 possesses exceptional balance in a classic mid-weight Peay style. Candied lemon, lemon oil, mint and a hint of sweetness from the oak are the signatures. This is a striking appellation-level wine. Don’t miss it.