2021 Flowers Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge Almar

Also a youthful straw hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge Almar is fresh with lifted sea spray, savory fresh herbs, citrus blossom, and green pear. Medium-bodied, it takes on more concentration on the palate, with a lovely, detailed freshness of acidity, a cleansing texture, and a long finish. Ripe green apple and a savory lift make for a beautifully balanced wine. Drink 2024-2034. This uniquely situated estate is two miles from the ocean, just north of Jenner, in a location once referred to as the “far Sonoma Coast.” Now officially members of the West Sonoma Coast AVA and Vintners Association, they focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with most vines planted to Chardonnay, primarily to the loosely clustered Wente clone. The property has two main sections, notably separated by the Seaview Ridge Vineyard, which is the southernmost vineyard in that region and lies between the first and second ridgeline. The eastern side of this divide is planted on red volcanic soils, whereas the western-facing side has more decomposed and sandy soils. The estate's highest elevation lies at 1875 feet in Fort-Ross Seaview, and the lowest elevation is below 1500 feet. The property is surrounded by redwood forest but reflects the proximity and exposure to the coastline. The wines in this report were tasted with their director of winemaking, Chantal Forthun. As the longest-tenured winemaker at the estate, she’s been leading with a steady hand since 2012. Having worked with and learned from Randall Grahm, who’s known for his organic and biodynamic farming practices, she continues these principles at the Flowers estate today.

Pale straw-colored, the 2021 Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge is lifted with flinty wet stone, white grapefruit, and ripe pear. Medium-bodied, with a soft, stony texture, its floral profile continues on the palate, with honeysuckle and delicate tropical fruits, seamless fresh acidity within a rounded feel, and a clean finish. It is a very pretty style of white to drink over the next 6-8 years. This uniquely situated estate is two miles from the ocean, just north of Jenner, in a location once referred to as the “far Sonoma Coast.” Now officially members of the West Sonoma Coast AVA and Vintners Association, they focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with most vines planted to Chardonnay, primarily to the loosely clustered Wente clone. The property has two main sections, notably separated by the Seaview Ridge Vineyard, which is the southernmost vineyard in that region and lies between the first and second ridgeline. The eastern side of this divide is planted on red volcanic soils, whereas the western-facing side has more decomposed and sandy soils. The estate's highest elevation lies at 1875 feet in Fort-Ross Seaview, and the lowest elevation is below 1500 feet. The property is surrounded by redwood forest but reflects the proximity and exposure to the coastline. The wines in this report were tasted with their director of winemaking, Chantal Forthun. As the longest-tenured winemaker at the estate, she’s been leading with a steady hand since 2012. Having worked with and learned from Randall Grahm, who’s known for his organic and biodynamic farming practices, she continues these principles at the Flowers estate today.

This is a unique white with density and agility at the same time, offering crushed seashells, coarse sea salt and white pepper. Lemon and lime rind and zest, too. Full-bodied and very dense with phenolic tension and an energetic finish. Tightly knit. Great acidity. This will age in bottle beautifully. A new single-parcel chardonnay from this estate. Drink or hold.