2013 Littorai Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A bright yellow/silver hue, the 2013 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard is deeper in terms of its aromatics, with notes of smoky wet stones, poached apples, and lemon curd. Full-bodied, this vineyard expresses more depth and intensity, with a long-lasting feel and persistence. Tasted well over a decade on, it’s in a great spot now but still has another decade or more ahead. This was certainly one of the standout white wines from Littorai at this tasting, offering all the seductive charm of the Charles Heitz Vineyard without any excess weight. Bravo. The 2023 vintage marks the 30-year milestone for the Littorai family estate, and this tasting covers 21 wines from 1993 through 2023. Except for the 1993 Pinot Noir One Acre, all of the wines for this retrospective were tasted at the end of May in New York at Union Square Cafe. Readers can find the complete range of current releases in my regional report on Sonoma.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
From a smooth, relatively leisurely vintage, the 2013 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard is drinking beautifully! Alluring tones of matchstick and candle wax give way to dried guava and exotic herbal undertones. The full-bodied palate is rich and satiny, its power balanced by fresh acidity, and its flavors go on and on in the mouth, driven by its dreamy texture.
Sits at 800 ft of elevation on a gently rolling plateau half a mile east of Occidental and seven miles west of the Pacific on Goldridge loam overlying Franciscan shale with a top layer of sandy loam. Planted in 1983, this site is farmed using organically certified materials but is not certified. Whole-cluster pressed then barrel-fermented with ambient yeasts, and aged for 12–14 months in 20–25% new French oak, and another 5 months in steel before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Full malolactic conversion. 318 cases produced. Light gold with a hint of green. Aromas of white flowers, pastry cream, and a hint of butterscotch. Bright acidity makes flavours of candied lemon, orange peel, and Fior di Latte vanilla cream bright and juicy with a lingering salinity. Silky-textured and very delicious. Carries a richness without being heavy. Outstanding. (AY)
Nutty, bright fruit. Toffee hints on the finish. Precise and zingy. (RH)
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.