A coastal-driven expression of Sonoma’s Petaluma Gap, the 2023 Seven Ranchlands Chardonnay balances freshness, texture, and precision. From the cool windswept slopes of Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista, this wine captures the energy of a challenging vintage and transforms it into brilliance in the glass.
The nose offers a lifted bouquet of Meyer lemon, green apple, and white peach, layered with subtle notes of chamomile, toasted almond, and wet stone. On the palate, it strikes a dynamic balance between richness and tension: a creamy core of orchard fruit and brioche is lifted by saline minerality and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, echoing citrus zest and delicate oak spice.
Seven Ranchlands sources fruit from carefully selected vineyard sites across Sonoma County, with a particular focus on coastal terroirs. Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista, perched in the Petaluma Gap, are shaped by persistent Pacific breezes that slow ripening and preserve acidity—ideal conditions for crafting expressive Chardonnay. The winemaking team emphasizes a hands-on approach: hand-harvesting at dawn, fermenting in both stainless steel and French oak, and employing full malolactic conversion to achieve depth and texture without sacrificing freshness.
This Chardonnay is a study in contrasts—lush yet taut, creamy yet bracing. The 2023 vintage, one of the coldest in recent memory, produced wines of rare clarity and cut, and this bottling showcases that with striking finesse. At under $30, it offers a level of craftsmanship and site-specific character that rivals bottles twice the price, making it both a weekday luxury and a cellar-worthy surprise.
Origin: Catapult Ranch & Tolay Vista Vineyards, Sonoma Coast (Petaluma Gap), Sonoma County, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Farming: Sustainable practices
Elevation: Coastal slopes east of Petaluma
Soil: Diverse coastal soils with marine influence
Vintage Notes: Cool growing season with late bud break, mild summer, and autumn rains; long hang time yielding fresh, concentrated fruit
Winemaking: Hand-harvested; destemmed and lightly crushed; fermented in both stainless steel and French oak (35% new); 100% malolactic fermentation; aged 10 months on lees before blending and bottling
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Style: Vibrant, textural, coastal Chardonnay with freshness and complexity
