Platt Vineyard Estate Chardonnay

This Estate bottling is a vibrant, racy expression of the Platt Vineyard terroir. Packed with energy, several layers of citrus and orchard fruits unfold, complemented by a crisp, saline finish. The lifted tones and crystalline texture highlight the impact of the coast, its purity is reminiscent of a cool coastal breeze on a sunny morning.

The wine

Grape variety

Chardonnay - Clones Old Wente, 72.

Ageing

14 months ageing in 60-gallon burgundy barrels (228L).
35% New French Oak, 65% used French Oak

Tasting

Vibrant, and lively, this shows some flinty reduction along with lemon and lime zest, crushed oyster shells, green apple, tangerine and verbena on the nose. As the wine opens up, chopped hazelnut, apricot, fresh coastal herbs, white plum, and meyer lemon tart emerge. The oak gently frames the fresh fruit and delicate mineral notes, keeping plenty of tension and adding structure and length. It is quite vertical on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, laser-focused, saline finish.
(April 2025)

Analysis

14.1 % vol.

The vintage 2023

Weather conditions

Bountiful winter rains were followed by a very cool spring, which delayed budbreak and subsequently flowering and fruit set by three to four weeks. This cool and foggy weather persisted through much of June and into July leading to uneven set, diminished yields and high variability in ripening. Fortunately, a cool yet sunny summer and fall provided just enough warm weather to sufficiently ripen even the coolest blocks. There were multiple rain events in October, but timely labor to selectively open-up the canopy for better airflow and sun exposure prevented the formation of botrytis and any other forms of rot or mold.

Harvest

Harvest was exceptionally late in 2023 and lasted three weeks from October 4th to October 26th. Harvest began on the upper ridge blocks due to their south exposure and higher elevation. A few warm days in the middle of October pushed the majority of the Chardonnay into the picking window. Without any severe heat waves, berry integrity was excellent and the extended time on the vine allowed for full phenolic maturation at relatively low alcohol levels.

Winemaking

Grapes were whole cluster pressed after which juice was transferred to barrel where fermentation took place with either selected or native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation took place with either selected or native bacteria. There was minimal intervention during ageing with little to no batonnage and the wines stayed on their lees until being racked to tank at bottling.

Wine ratings

95/100

« Full-bodied and saline with wonderful tension, carrying notes of lemons, zest and honey. The broad, rich palate shows mouth-filling, stone-fruit flavors and a core of laserlike acidity, leading to a long finish with cool citrus and minerality. This will evolve with time. Drink or hold. »

James Suckling, Courtney Humiston

95/100

« The 2023 Chardonnay comes barreling out of the glass with bold notes of apple butter, juicy peaches, and allspice, followed by hints of cedar, orange blossoms, and marzipan. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a seductively satiny texture with a racy line cutting through the intense orchard fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy. This fruit all comes from Platt Vineyard, with all the blocks represented. 987 cases were made. »

The Wine Palate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

95/100

« The 2023 Chardonnay (West Sonoma Coast) is a fabulous debut. Bright and aromatic, the 2023 impresses with its energy, nuance and delineation. Citrus confit, white pepper, tangerine peel, slate and crushed rocks are all wonderfully vibrant in the glass. Brisk acids pull it all together on the close. Platt is a magical site. That very much comes through in this striking, poised Chardonnay. Tasted next to the Reserve, the West Sonoma Coast Chardonnay leans more into the citrus and slate mineral end of the spectrum. »

Vinous, Antonio Galloni