2023 Hirsch Vineyards, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California, USA

The Chardonnay is the only white wine produced at Hirsch Vineyards; vines for this were first planted in 1994, and span less than four acres. Production is extremely limited. The climate here is affected heavily by the neighbouring Pacific Ocean, creating dazzling acidity in the final wines. This is tempered somewhat by oak ageing: 28% of the wine was aged in barrel, helping soften flavours and coax spice and vanilla notes forward. These complement the fruit-led character of the wine, which is rich in flavours of apple, Meyer lemon and brioche.