Inspired by a new source from an especially chilly, fog-kissed spot on the western edge of the True Sonoma Coast (Zephyr Vineyard), this is Chardonnay that emphasizes a vitality and energy that only cool climate grape growing can provide.
Far western Sonoma Coast is a truly challenging region to grow grapes, necessitating both patience and nerves of steel. Every vintage is a roll of the dice whether the fruit will fully mature on the vine by the end of Fall before the rains begin. Fortune smiled on Zephyr in 2021 and we received a scant few tons of their stunning, perfectly ripened Chardonnay. And while we blended just a bit into the 1 Km West cuvée we couldn’t resist featuring the rest in this Barrel Climber offering.
Fermented and raised in older French oak barrels and puncheon to enhance texture while avoiding overt woody flavors, we stirred the lees throughout the 18 months it rested in the cellar.
What emerged shows great purity and punchiness from the natural acidity and complexity this amazing vineyard provides. You won’t find stong oak flavors or butter here. Instead, this wine delights with an electric, natural energy subtly shaped by the neutral barrels.
Racy lime, lemon, zest, and lemon curd abound with baked apple and nuttiness. It’s the type of wine that avoids palate fatigue and keeps you coming back for more after each sip. Delicious now, but truly built for the cellar, we beg you to hang on to at least a few bottles to experience what a beautiful future this wine has ahead of it as it grows and blossoms with age.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: Late 2023 to 2030 Graceful ageability: 2031+
VINEYARDS
96% Zephyr | 3% Green Acres | 1% Stiling
CLONES
96% Clone 5 | 3% Hyde | 1% Rued
STATS
pH: 3.29 | TA: 7.8 | Alcohol: 14.1% Bottling: February 10, 2023 | Release: Fall 2023 Cases Produced: 43
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
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