2015 Domaine Anderson Chardonnay Anderson Valley Mendocino

Domaine Anderson is nestled in the breathtaking, fog-cooled hillside and mountain terrain of Northern California’s Anderson Valley. The cooling marine layer that is characteristic of this region provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. The wines are crafted with precision and care to express the uniqueness of the Anderson Valley terroir. Domaine Anderson’s 13.7 acres of chardonnay vineyards span from the warmer, up-valley Boonville area to the cooler regions closer to the Mendocino coast. They reside on the valley floor, gently sloped knolls, steep hillsides, and offer soils ranging from rocky, river gravels to the finest clay loams. Domaine Anderson's chardonnay is made from grapes sourced exclusively from its own Anderson Valley vineyards, giving the winery complete control over farming practices and stewardship of the land.

The Estate Chardonnay is aged for 10 months with 10% new oak, and thereafter the winemaking team selects specific barrels and lots which are then blended to yield wines of restraint and character.

BHW Expert Note: this French owned estate is producing some of the most Burgundian styled wines in California. If you love Chablis and Premier Cru white burg, you’ll be thrilled with this wine. These wines are truly undervalued vis-a-vis their French equivalents. This particular wine would be $90+ if it carried a Sonoma Coast AVA. Prime drinking window is 2020-2024.

Tasting Notes: White wine. Appealing gold straw and brilliant in color, the 2015 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay unveils nuanced aromas of honeysuckle, sandalwood and stone fruit. A pretty wine; possessing a graceful combination of structure and acidity, seamlessly framing flavors of Granny Smith apple, lime, and notes of nutmeg spice. Smooth and elegant, can be cellared through 2020. 13.6% ABV