Stonestreet Chardonnay 2018

Alcohol: 14,2%

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Localization: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

Tasting Notes: This Estate Chardonnay exhibits notes of melon and toasted almond with subtle salinity. The rich and structured palate is highlighted by fresh tangerine, vanilla bean paste, with a foundation of minerality and a clean inviting finish.

The Domain: Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is the story of a family’s vision to defy the limits of California wine growing. Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke established the estate in 1995, and their son Christopher Jackson and his wife Ariel continue the legacy — and the middle name “Stonestreet” has now been passed from father to son for three generations. Stonestreet is one of the most expansive and multi-faceted mountain vineyards in the world and produces a distinctive collection of single-vineyard wines — powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, soulful Chardonnay, and electric Sauvignon Blanc.

The Jackson family acts as stewards of the land, caring for this 5,500-acre mountain estate that towers high above the Alexander Valley in the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Ranging 400ft to 2,400ft in elevation, the estate showcases a dramatic array of mesoclimates on peaks, valleys, and ledges. The geological diversity of the mountain, which contains more soil types than all of France, confers a strong mineral character in the fruit, while the challenges of farming at elevation produce smaller, more concentrated berry clusters.

Knowing that it would take more than one generation to understand the complexity of the estate, Jess Jackson notably stated, “Stonestreet has the destiny to be one of the greatest vineyard sites of all time.” As the second generation, Christopher and Ariel are building upon that legacy, pushing it forward with an ever-deepening understanding of this awe-inspiring estate.