Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2024 750ml

The Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 is an elegant, cool-climate Chardonnay from Flowers Vineyard & Winery, sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the windy, coastal-influenced far Sonoma Coast AVA of California. This region imparts bright acidity, minerality, and a sense of place with Pacific influences like seaspray and salinity.

Winemaking and Style

• Fermentation and Aging: 20% in stainless steel and 80% in French oak barrels (18% new, 62% 1-2 years old, 20% neutral 3+ years), followed by 16 months of barrel aging before bottling. This approach yields texture and subtle oak integration without heavy buttery or oaky notes—it's more Burgundian in style than many California Chardonnays.
• ABV: Typically around 13.5%.
• Profile: Bright, energetic, and lively with racy acidity, medium richness, and a finely woven, elegant texture. It emphasizes purity, precision, and coastal freshness rather than opulence.

Tasting Notes

Aromas: Soaring lemon cream, Meyer lemon, lemon zest, green apple, pear, white peach/apricot, tangerine oil, white flowers (jasmine), lemongrass, mint, white pepper, subtle beeswax, seaspray/briny minerality, and hints of wet stone or crushed almond. Some notes describe it as perfumed and forward due to the warmer 2024 season.

Palate: Fresh citrus (lemon, lime, mandarin), orchard fruit (pear, white peach), pithy herbaceous notes, fine green citrus oil, and a mineral/saline backbone. The finish is long, focused, crisp yet textured, with mouthwatering acidity and clean minerality. It's described as vivid, tangy, and food-friendly.

Professional Scores (early reviews):

• Antonio Galloni (Vinous): 91 — "A terrific introduction to the range... especially forward, open-knit Chardonnay."
• James Suckling: 94
• Decanter: 93

It's often praised as expressive with great food-pairing potential (seafood, poultry, creamy cheeses, salads, or lighter dishes), and it should age gracefully for several years thanks to its acidity and balance.