Sea Slopes

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

By: Philip S, Kampe - Feb 13, 2020

 

 

 

Some California style Chardonnay’s leave a lot to be desired. Others, like, Sea Slopes Sonoma Coast 2017 Chardonnay are right on the money. Its faintly buttery complexity is both balanced and pure on the palate.

Produced in a rugged coastal terrain, by Fort Ross Vineyard, the grape blossoms in the cool maritime breezes of the Pacific Ocean. The Sonoma Coast is one of the largest AVAs in Sonoma, covering over 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares).

The first taste of the wine revealed minimal oak. The reason was obvious, part of the grapes remained in stainless steel for ten months, while a smaller percentage of the yield swam in neutral used French oak barrels. Together, their marriage was consummated into a lovely child, full of freshness, complexity  with whispers of saline from the nearby ocean.

Winemaker, Jeff Pisoni, along with the guidance of owners, Linda and Lester Schwartz, has crafted a very special wine that speaks of the terroir. Its not your typical buttery, toasty California style Chardonnay, but, one that is velvety on the edge and elegant on the palate.

If you know my New Orleans background, you will understand that this silky wine loves seafood. I’m cooking catfish as the main course, shucking oysters as our appetizer, and slurping gumbo somewhere in-between.

Sea Slopes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 will tie the knot-in essence, intertwine the culinary delicacies with a terroir driven wine that beckons to brighten the palate.