This is a richly textured Chardonnay from a highly rated vineyard. Durell Vineyard has been the source behind some of the most sought-after Sonoma Coast Chardonnay wines. We feel fortunate to work with two outstanding vineyard blocks that combine to make something special. Both blocks of 100% Old Wente clone Chardonnay were harvested at night and pressed to extract only the highest quality juice. This 2018 vintage wine is lively and exotic with rich flavors, complexity and focus. We fermented in French oak barrels to produce an expansive wine that illustrates the balance and exceptional character of the vintage.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard offers slowly blooming scents of white peaches, baklava and loads of white flower aromas. The medium-bodied palate surprises, exploding into an array of concentrated, savory, honeyed flavors with bright freshness and a very long finish. Yum!" - Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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Jeb Dunnuck
"Brought up in 40% new French oak, the 2018 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is another richer styled white with impressive white currant, sautéed apple, white flower, and spice aromas and flavors. Offering plenty of fruit, medium to full body, a rounded mouthfeel, and good acidity, it's another terrific 2018 to drink over the coming 4-6 years." - Jeb Dunnuck
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International Wine Report
"The 2018 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay is courced from a combination of two older blocks of Wente clone Chardonnay. Aged in 40% new French oak before bottling, this golden hued wine opens with lovely Pink Lady apple, and nutmeg infused Challah bread tones with lighter lemon zest accents that all mingle in the glass. Showing off a silky texture, the wine unveils vanilla creme brulee, poached pear and nutmeg infused sourdough bread flavors. The length and viscosity of the wine is fantastic and this Chardonnay should go on to provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more." - Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
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Wine Spectator
"Sleek and rich, featuring concentrated McIntosh apple, pear tart and honeydew melon flavors, with creamy nuances. Light buttery notes fill the lusciously spiced finish. Drink now through 2024." - Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
Durell Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
More than 25 wines from Durell Vineyard have earned 92+ points, making the site one of Sonoma County’s most sought-after vineyards. Durell sits on the southeastern edge of the Sonoma Coast appellation–thirty miles east of the Pacific Ocean, 10 miles north of the northern stretches of San Francisco Bay, and just south of a 2,400-foot mountain range.