Trail Marker - Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2021

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Producer	Trail Marker
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	Santa Cruz Mountains
Varietal	Chardonnay
Vintage	2021
Sku	12017120
Size	750ml

 

V

93

This appelation blend is an even mix of Chapel & Quink Vineyards. Quink vineyard is one of the original Charonnay sites in the SCM, seated at approximately 800ft above sea level and in certain corners of the vineyard you can glimpse the waves of the Pacific and was purposely planted to original Mt. Eden clippings, resulting in teeny, tiny clusters and the latest harvest of any site we work with, despite low brix. Just outside of Scott’s Valley, the Chapel vineyard is a dry farmed site that has been well tended by the Bruzzone family for 20 years.

• VINIFICATION: Whole clusters were gently broken and sat on skins for a couple hours before begining the press cycle directly to tank and allowed to settle for a day before going to a mix of Neutral French barriques and puncheons for native fermentation. Before fermentation, the juice was intentionally oxidized to highlight the structure and elongate agebility.
• AGING: 13 months in neutral, French oak
• PRODUCTION: 134 cases

The 2021 Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) is a gorgeous wine. The appellation Chardonnay at Trail Marker has often been an under the radar gem, as it is again in 2021. The balance of fruit depth and citrus/mineral/floral brightness is compelling.