Senses Wines B.A. Thierlot Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2019

Cameron and Bridgit Thieriot, Max’s parents, purchased their vineyard and property in 1988. In 1989, the first part of the vineyard was planted by the late Warren Dutton of Dutton Ranch. Over the years, the grapes from these blocks have been sold to topclass producers in the region. Vintage after vintage, this vineyard consistently produces high-scoring single vineyard wines and is renowned as being one of the premier vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. The healthy, mature vines, thrive in the warm microclimate which is tempered by the cool, coastal breezes and the trademark fog that lingers over the vineyards, bringing moisture and cooling the vines. The result is a long hang-time, during which the vines slowly build aromatic complexity, concentrated flavours, superbly balanced by natural, crisp freshness. The vines are sustainably cultivated and manually harvested.

The grapes were barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts from the vineyard to fully express the site. Partial fermentation and ageing took place in puncheons. The wine underwent careful bâtonnage, the amount and frequency was carefully tailored to the barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in 100% French oak, of which 35% was new; the remainder was second-use.