2021 has been marked as one of Sonoma County's most exceptional vintages. A dry growing season allowed for a concentration of aromatics and phenolics to transpire during grape development. Though the harvesting season was shorter than average, there was a greater complexity and flavor development that was derived from the hot season. Matanzas Creek Winery chose to leave leaves on the vine to mitigate the full impact of the phenolics caused by heat. By choosing to not leaf we were able to moderate the temperature of individual microclimates in the vineyards. As potentially one of Northern California's greatest vintages, we raise a glass to this harvest.

Alexander Valley sees fog intrusion from the Pacific Ocean helping to mitigate the heat and allowing the clusters to grow and develop flavors slowly. This long, broad, north-to-south valley is flanked by the Mayacamas Mountains. The diversity of topography and fog conditions in the valley creates different mesoclimates producing differences in texture and flavors

The 2021 Alexander Valley Chardonnay consists of flavors of grilled white peach, lemon blossom, lemon meringue pie and candied pineapple with a medium plus body and medium length and full palate.

The 2021 growing season had mild temperatures throughout the season and offered superior flavor development. Rain during winter and in May provided nourishment for the vines to keep developing flavors.

• Color: Medium Straw
• Aromas/Flavors: Grilled pineapple, apple tart, peach crumble, toasted almonds, waffle cone with vanilla ice cream.
• Palate: This blend's 13% Bennett Valley Chardonnay portion brings the natural acidity up, unveiling a popping finish. Overall, good natural acidity with a medium body and medium-long finish.
• Composition: 100% Chardonnay
• Élevage: Aged 9.5 months in used French oak barrels, 13% new
• Cases produced: 1,449
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• TA: 5.3 g/L
• pH: 3.42
• RS: 1.1 g/L