Parea H. Klopp Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2022

We are self-diagnosed Chardonnay-heads, and we are not alone in our affection. Every day, industry folk visit us at the shop, and last year, their most-purchased wine was our debut vintage of Parea Chardonnay. It had all the qualities of what we call 'industry juice' - high acid, broad texture, long finish, and down-right quaffable. Because of the incredible response from our buyers last year, the good people behind Parea have offered us their 2022 vintage ahead of anyone else.  We could ramble on and on, but really, the short and sweet of it is, this wine is GOOD! Like, really, really good! If you love Burgundian-style Chardonnays with the perfect integration of oak, fruit, and acidity, let this be your new domestic go-to.

This single vineyard Chardonnay charmed us from the first sip. The fruit is sourced from the H. Klopp Vineyard, situated just outside of the town of Sebastopol. Sitting atop the ubiquitous Goldridge Series loam that Sonoma Coast is famous for, this vineyard is planted with four clones of Chardonnay: Robert Young, Old Wente, Mt. Eden, and UCD4. Planted in 2013, the H. Klopp vineyard is relatively young, but the vines have done nothing but impress.

The wine aged 11 months sure lie in neutral oak barrels with regular battonage to encourage a broad, supple texture. Notes of Meyer lemon curd, green apple, honeysuckle, and brioche. The palate is soft and plush with flavors of pineapple, lemon zest, and baked pie crust. The exceptional texture coats your mouth before leading to acidity that builds steadily to a medium-plus peak. This is a balanced, well-made wine with loads of potential to kick the pants of competitors twice the price.