Hanzell Sonoma Valley Chardonnay

About

For over fifty years, Hanzell Vineyards has grown, produced and bottled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which have the unique distinction of being produced solely from our estate-grown fruit since 1961. These wines have been made by people, both past and present, who all have given the best of themselves to realize this shared dream “To produce wine equal to the finest in the world”. Absolute commitment to these ten words requires many difficult decisions be made throughout the winegrowing year. By nature and design, we set very low crop levels in all of our vineyards and then follow the time-tested traditions that are well established and understood to cultivate greatness in our fruit. We farm all of our estate vineyards with these same exacting standards. Our average vine age is over thirty years old. When we plant new vineyards it is not for ten to fifteen years as the rule of thumb now in viticulture, but for fifty to sixty years producing the highest quality fruit. At harvest, we hand sort and hand pick the fruit, sorting again cluster by cluster as it comes into the winery. After the wine in barrel has aged appropriately, we come together to taste each and every barrel lot; with the Winemaker finalizing the blend for each wine.

Our flagship Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay is considered the best representation of all of our estate-grown Chardonnay from our Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard, Zellerbach, Day, de Brye and Ramos Vineyards. This wine is always our best effort to interpret our unique site into an age-worthy collectible Chardonnay that is equal to the best in the world.

Hanzell Sonoma Valley Chardonnay has a nose that captures the attention: chiselled, fresh and elegant. Oak is subtle and integrated with a mineral edge and some phenolic grip on the palate. Green citrus and basil notes bring complexity. Understated, yet modern with a pleasant finish.