The 2021 Estate Chardonnay from Thomas Fogarty opens with bright notes of lemon, a delicate whiff of melon and refreshing minerality. High acidity gives the wine freshness and energy.
What makes this wine especially compelling is how clearly it reflects its mountain origins. Grown at elevations above 1,900 feet, the vineyard benefits from its maritime and mountain climates. The Lambert Shale soils date back to the Miocene era (approximately 23 to 5 million years ago), with layers of siltstone and sandstone formed from ancient marine sedimentary deposits. These “lithified” soils – once loose sediments of sand, mud and gravel compacted into solid rock – contribute to the wine’s distinctive minerality.
The Chardonnay descends from Heritage clones, historic grapevine selections collected from Burgundy and other Old World sites over the past 125 years.
An exquisite pairing alongside an earthy chanterelle mushroom omelet at a secret Wall Street location brought out the Chardonnay’s freshness, citrus and minerality.
Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Chardonnay
Producer: Thomas Fogarty
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Year: 2021
Style: Dry white
Alcohol: 13.5%
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