2021 Haynes Vineyard Corazon Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
From vines planted in 1967 to the oldest Old Wente Chardonnay vines on the ranch in Coombsville, the Corazon is the most intense of the three Chardonnay wines in 2021. It exhibits impressive density, purity of fruit, and a firm spine of juicy acidity, framing its bright, focused character. Medium-bodied, with a gentle kiss of tension-filled tannin, adds to this Chardonnay's structure and depth. Nuances of apricot, white peach, and grapefruit layer over the already present lemon and lemon oil, with even a hint of tangerine, as this is the ripest wine in the lineup. A riveting expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker Nico Cueva employs the same process for the three Haynes Vineyard Chardonnays (Vigneron, Forgeron, and Corazon): whole-bunch pressing, sur lie ageing in 500–2,000-litre neutral casks for 21 months of élevage, and native yeast fermentation. The wines are unfined and unfiltered. Cueva explains the meaning behind the names: "Vigneron is what we grow. Forgeron is what we build (out of a barrel selection), and Corazon is what we love."
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Chardonnay Corazon is mostly from the center part of the vineyard, where old vines are planted on a blend of volcanic soils and diatomaceous earth—a mix that works so well. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Soaring and vibrant, with striking finesse, the 2021 is all class. Bright acids punctuate the finish. This is another impressive wine from Haynes and winemaker Nico Cueva.
Marked by more obvious smoky oak and notions of roasted nuts, the pineapple and lime-scented 2021 Chardonnay Corazon comes from the heart of the vineyard—all Old Wente selection, planted between 1967 and 1969. It's medium to full-bodied and generous on the palate yet also nicely focused, with a long, chiseled finish of citrus zest. Bravo.
Flint, dried apples, honey blossom, stone, mineral, and dried flowers. Full-bodied and so layered with great depth and sincerity. The fine tannins are very vertical and shows so many layers. Aged in large Stockinger casks for 20 months. Unique. Made from the best vines of old Wente clones planted in 1967. About 12% alcohol. You shouldn’t really drink this now but hard not to.