2016 Red Car Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Divvy-Up
80 Points
Tasting Notes
90 Points
"An oaky nose of caramel and brioche gives way to a lighter, brighter midpalate of high-toned acidity and fresh flavors of lemon and tangerine. The ripeness is balanced and well integrated with the tannin and oak." - Wine Enthusiast
<
p>With Lemon zest, wet stone and chamomile aromas, Red Car Sonoma Coast Chardonnay features some of the coolest Chardonnay vineyards in California. A significant portion of the blend hails from the Ritchie Vineyard, famous the world over.
In 2016, conditions were outstanding for Chardonnay in the West Sonoma Coast. Plenty of sunshine, a small but focused crop, and little rain before harvest yielded little clusters with high acid and complex flavors at reasonably low sugars, which resulted in wines with naturally moderate alcohol levels.
Our Chardonnay grapes are pressed off their skins and fermented in French Oak barrels, the majority of which are older, neutral and no longer imparting strong oak flavors. The resulting wines are racy and taut, medium bodied and complex with a mineral edge.
Comments
22 Pieces
We continue an exploration of the Sonoma Coast with a closer look at the sub-AVA of Fort Ross and Seaview. These high ridge lines north of Jenner present some of the most formidable terrain for growing grapes, and for the winemakers, some of the most unique and sought-after fruit. It's just the proximity to the influences of the Pacific that allows for an extended growing season due to the cooling influences, but the combinations of soils from the ancient sea floor now converted into mountain by the relentless clash of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, the elevation, the winds, the vineyard exposures and the clones that wine growers prefer for these rugged growing sites.
And in the end, the struggle these vines experience produce wines of extraordinary quality and a distinctive sense of place. While we may not stop to think about it, as we comfortably enjoy each glass, there is likely to have been a multi-layered journey for the winemakers with its share of struggles, discoveries and triumphs as well. The many pieces of life that have led to the making of these wines.
With Red Car this journey is beautifully described on their web site in a story from which we borrowed the title to this post. Rather than paraphrase their thoughts, we encourage you to read it for yourselves. We think you'll come away richer for it, and with a deeper appreciation of the wines they make. Also, check out the video link under More Wine Info for Red Car's tour of their vineyards, it's an exceptional guide to what makes this AVA special.
https://redcarwine.com/history
Like it’s name, Red Car Chardonnay is a bit mysterious. The name stirs up an image of a sexy red sports car; but, does it really refer to a sports car?!
For me, the first tip to the nose, left me with a mineral aroma. To my inexperienced nose, I didn’t think this was a Chardonnay. The first sip was acidic, maybe lemon. This was then suddenly followed by a smooth buttery feel on my palate. This wine is acidic with a lush-silky finish, and all so surprising.
Thanks for the fun review Miss O. Love the pic too.
Fun offer! I've really enjoyed some of their Pinots and really want to try their version of Mohrhardt Ridge Cabernet.
thanks for the heads up on the pinot
FRANKS is inviting you to join their public Divvy-Up for 12.
Come on. Let’s close this Divvy-Up before the Wine Event expires.
Are you in the 95476 area?
Join the Divvy-Up;
https://divvy-up.com/2016-red-car-sonoma-coast-chardonnay/?group=81a8fa08-3d3b-55dc-53c1-4c88bd3e7287