Marineau Mills Chardonnay Rutherford 2023

Tasting notes

The 2023 Marineau Mills Chardonnay unfolds with layers of honeyed pear, lemon curd, and a delicate touch of lemon oil. Aromatics of heady white florals weave through, while subtle hints of nutmeg and barrel spice add depth. A subtle herbal note—flowering thyme, lemon verbena—brings an intriguing freshness. The palate is both glossy and satiny, offering an unctuous texture that plays beautifully with the wine’s natural creaminess. A vein of salinity runs through the lingering finish, keeping everything focused and fresh. We think of this as a California Chardonnay for people who, like Seb, love old world wines. Balanced, bright and simply delicious.

Production notes

Picked at night, with help from the vineyard owner’s five and seven-year-old kiddos. Pressed gently. The juice was cold settled in tank, racked, sent to barrel for a native fermentation. We employed bâtonnage (lees stirring) every two weeks for the first six months, and once a month thereafter. Barrel fermented and aged for 11 months. Gently racked to tank, polished with a sterile filtration. Bottled on December 17th, 2024.

Élévage

Five barrels. 40% new (one Damy Medium+ and one François
Frères Heavy Toast); 60% used (once used François Frères).
Cases: 116
Harvest Date: October 3rd, 2023
ABV: 14.5%
Soil Type: Pleasanton Loam
Varietal: Chardonnay, Clone 4
Winemaker: Ashley Hepworth

Press

Decanter, 91 points

"Light to medium-bodied, the wine strikes a fine balance between saline minerality and an intense baking spice character reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Layers of pineapple, nectarine, and apricot are drizzled with wildflower honey, creating a vibrant and textural mid-palate. The long finish unfurls intriguing savoury nuances of Parmigiano Reggiano alongside creamy vanilla panna cotta, leaving a lasting and memorable impression." - Jonathan Cristaldi

JamesSuckling.com, 92 points

"Ripe and expressive, with a hint of the cool vintage underneath the generous aromas of lemon curd, white peaches, toasted almonds and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied with bright acidity and a creamy texture, giving flavors of citrus, pears and sweet spices. Balanced and generous." - Jim Gordon

Vinous, 90 points

"The 2023 Chardonnay is soft, open-knit and very pretty. Candied lemon peel, ginger and white flowers are all laced together in the glass. This is a strong debut. This gentle, engaging Chardonnay is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years." - Antonio Galloni