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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Driving up California’s Highway 1 from Bodega Bay with stunning Pacific Ocean vistas in view, it may be easy to see why Joan and Walt Flowers fell in love with the rugged landscape of Camp Meeting Ridge, but it’s hard to imagine how they ever thought the steep, high altitude terrain would become a prime site for growing Chardonnay. Despite the advice of UC Davis that the area was inhospitable for growing grapes, the Flowers’ hands-on experience as nursery owners led them to establish Flowers Vineyard and Winery on the property in 1998, producing Burgundy style Chardonnay boasting “elegance and intensity with great balance” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Melanie Wynne and attracting an influx of elite winemakers including Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Peter Michael and Williams. Credited with “helping to set a new standard of quality“ in the region according to the Wine Spectator’s Kim Marcus, the Flowers’ partnership with Quintessa owner Agustin Huneeus since 2009 has taken Flowers “to a whole new level” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the strategic investments including hiring top Burgundy winemaker and consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac to work alongside winemaker Chantal Forthum since 2016. Sourced from the estate’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge as well as several coastal partner vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, winemaker Forthum aged the enticing 2023 Flowers Chardonnay in 18% new French oak for 10 months, yielding a beautifully balanced Chard boasting savory fresh fruit with vibrant acidity and chalky minerality that promises pleasurable drinking over the next 5 or more years.
From an exceptional Sonoma vintage producing vibrant acidity and remarkable balance, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reflects Flowers' long standing reputation for“capturing the pedigree” of its coastal terroir according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, an easy call for fans of cool climate California Chard to stock the cooler with a Top 100 wine at a bargain price.Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing “a classic elegant Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that does everything right,” the elegant 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast lives up to the winery’s reputation as the standard bearer for cool climate Chardonnay from the windswept Pacific coastal region, a delicious, refreshing Chardonnay offering lush, aromatic stone and citrus fruit with a creamy texture and bright acidity on a long, minerally finish and one of the top values on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024.
Sourced from an excellent Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegantly aromatic 93 pt. 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir comes from the Flower’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate as well as select family-owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and was aged in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding a fresh and delicious Pinot with enticing dark berry fruit hinting of spice and earthy forest on a backbone of flinty, mineral-driven acidity, built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade.
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93WS #43 Top 100
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A bright straw hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is elegant and refreshing with notes of preserved salted lime, green apples, wet stones, and delicate spice. The palate is full though compact and light on its feet, with fantastic clarity, focus, and an electric energy that propels the wine with a refreshing and balanced feel. An exceptional vintage for this wine, it has the ability to hold up over the long haul. Drink 2025-2037.
96 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Jul 2025)
The first whiff of the glass hits you with, well, flowers. Lemon blossom in particular really dominates, alongside aromas of pineapple, river stones and quince. The palate is awash in beautiful citrusy acidity that vibrates and dances with flavors of Meyer lemon, green apple, and pineapple sage.
94 points, Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2025)
The aromas of honeysuckle, subtle green apples and pears are delightful. Medium-bodied with a lively phenolic texture and flavors of limes, umami and sea salt. Crunchy, too. An energetic chardonnay.
94 points, James Suckling (Feb 2025)
This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There's also an appealing grip on the finish, reminiscent of the skin of roasted, salted almonds, while a whiff of wild fennel lingers. Drink now through 2033. 23,000 cases made.
93 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Dec 2024)
#43 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
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