Planted in Goldridge soil high above the Green Valley AVA, the Heintz always has a unique soil-inflected aromatic. In the glass, crushed rocks and minerals are immediately apparent followed by hints of apple, pear, and an essence of tangerine. Flavors of apple, pear, and minerality flood the palate. This wine is impeccably balanced and is a wonderful expression of Chardonnay from a truly special site.
2017 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
Reviews
94 / Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard opens with green melon, lime peel, citrus blossom, poached pear and white peach with hazelnut nuance. Medium to full-bodied, it offers nutty fruits, tangy acidity and honey accents on the finish. 332 cases were made. Anticipated maturity: 2019 – 2027.
93 / Wine and Spirits
Charles Heintz farms two acres of chardonnay at his family’s ranch in Occidental, planted to Clone 4 in 1980. The old vines make the most of the coastal fog and Goldridge sandy loam soils, producing a concentrated wine that tastes like a food, nourishing in its vinous power. Its luscious and substantial, a chardonnay that tastes like something you might describe as sweet pineapple roasted over a fire, or a fire roasted apple pie, but better to taste it yourself and get closer to the complex richness and coastal freshness. Decant it first if you open this now; it will only gain complexity with four or five years in bottle. – J.G.
94 / Wine Enthusiast
This is a juicy full-bodied white that is well balanced by crisp apple and orange flavors. Integrated tones of nutmeg and ginger offer support, while a lasting note of wet stone underlines a mineral component. —V.B.
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- pH
- 3.26
- TA
- 0.63g/100mL
- Barrel Aging
- 13 months
- Barrel Selection
- 30% New, 12% 1 yr., 18% 2 yr., 40% 3 yr.
When to Drink
2020-2027
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