The 2023 growing season in Sonoma was cool and slow. Record-breaking winter rains saturated the soil, causing budbreak to be delayed by as much as a month, and temperatures remained low well into the height of summer. Across California, harvest began approximately two weeks to a month later than usual. In September, while sugar levels plateaued, the skins, seeds, and flavors continued to ripen; as a result, the 2023 vintage offers deep flavor at lower potential alcohol. This combination works exceptionally well for this wine. It is focused and bright, with acidity that harmoniously balances all the elements.
Serve at 10-13°C. Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2036.
Robert Parker (94)
The 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard has slowly unfurling scents of white fruit, honey, freshly baked bread, roasted almonds and dried jasmine flowers. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and satiny, though its flavors are youthfully coiled at this early stage. It’s balanced by linear acidity and has a long, savory finish. It gains amplitude and expression as it airs in the glass and will reward several years in the cellar.
James Suckling (99)
Great power, richness and dramatic flavors give this such a distinctive character. A full-bodied white with aromas of grilled fruit, toasted oak, poached pears and minerals, then flavors of baked golden apples, toasted walnuts, pear nectar and brown butter. Such a big, robust yet super-smooth wine. Drink now or hold.
Vinous (96)
The 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is a dense, potent wine. Apricot, dried pear, chamomile dried herbs and tangerine peel stain the palate. A hint of truffle adds an exotic flair to this wonderfully creamy, deep Chardonnay. The Durrell is marked by a distinct phenolic character that is the result of tiny berries. What a beauty.
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
From the Sonoma Valley, the 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is focused and bright, with notes of lime candies, green pear, and flinty stones. The palate is full and elegant and floats on the palate, with a long, elegant feel and a tapered finish with delicate incense. The midpalate shows the depth of this site, but it’s a more floating wine in this vintage.
