Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2023

“This is mostly declassified estate fruit, with a small addition of Vida Bella; it’s all clone 4 or Wente Clone, supplemented with a small amount of 95 and 96 from Vida Bella. Pretty aromatics of smoky lemon peel and zesty lemon peel. Taut and saline through the finish, it’s a shining example of Santa Cruz Chardonnay.”

“Sunny yellow plums, nectarines and Meyer lemons are so lively with acidity. Tarragon, chalk and lemon blossoms alongside generous fruit. Joyous. Drink now.”

“The 2023 Chardonnay serves as an excellent introduction to the estate, opening with a honeyed, orchard-fruit–driven bouquet with accents of wheat toast and brown sugar. The palate offers a balance of textural richness and bright precision, culminating in a chiseled yet creamy finish with lingering salinity. This is one of the best and most distributed overviews of Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay on the market.”

“The 2023 Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) is primarily estate fruit with a small proportion of Vida and Mindego. White pepper, golden apple, lanolin and chalk make for a generous bouquet, unfurling with texture and juiciness on the palate. Soft around the edges and creamy through the mid-palate, the 2023 is very easy to get behind.”