The Chappellet family is known for their Pritchard Hill big reds, but they are also making wines from grape growers from different areas with different growing conditions. Calesa Vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap a cool area of Sonoma County and Marin County. The Petaluma Gap gained American Viticultural Area (AVA) status in 2018. Its name comes from the gap In the California Coast Range where cool winds move inland from the Pacific Ocean bringing chilling fog. It offers excellent conditions for grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Chappellet winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus works with grape grower Oscar Renteria to ensure the best grapes for this elegant Chardonnay style. The wine has ripe, apple, pear, peach fruit with a creamy texture that is balanced by crisp, mouthwatering citrusy acidity. Serve it with roast chicken or a lemon risotto.
Chappellet, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County (California) Chardonnay 2018
By Rebecca Murphy