2022 The Insider Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2021
91 PTS, Robert Parker
"Grown on the Sonoma side of Carneros by a well-known grape-growing family, the 2022 Chardonnay The Insider is more subtle than the straightforward Monterey version, with understated notes of pear, melon, crushed stone and pencil shavings on the nose. Barrel-fermented in second-use François Frères barrels, it will stay in wood for a total of 16 months prior to bottling. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and generous without being overbearing, long and elegant."
2020
90 PTS, James Suckling
"A fruity chardonnay with apricot, poached pear, papaya, lemon pith and vanilla on the nose. Some toasted brioche and oyster shell, too. Full-bodied and buttery with a ripe, flavorful palate. Drink now." - JamesSuckling.com
2018
88 PTS, Wine Enthusiast
From Sangiacomo-farmed grapes, this value-driven wine delivers a buttery nose and creamy midpalate of brioche and baked pear, its structure and body weight fleshy and full. - V. B.
This Carneros Chardonnay has a shiny golden straw in color. The aromas are rich with tropical fruit notes such as mango, guava and papaya. The wine is elegantly balanced between the acidity and creamy center. Ultimately the palate prevails rich in texture with silky caramel apple flavors, poached pear, creamy French oak and Tahitian Vanilla.
The Insider Chardonnay is carefully crafted from grapes grown by the Sangiacomo family - a forth generation grower in Sonoma’s Carneros district within the Sonoma Coast and sourced specifically out of their Kaiser ranch block. These grapes are harvested at night under the lights and hand picked. At the winery the grapes were whole cluster pressed and cold settled. After racking off the natural lees, we racked the juice into second year burgundy, Francois Frerres, medium toasted French oak barrels. After three days, barrel fermentation was commenced in a refrigerated room in the cellar and stirred daily throughout the entire fermentation. After a 10 day fermentation was complete, secondary malo-lactic took place while stirring continued which amplified the creamy texture and reduced diacetyl (buttered popcorn notes) on the palate. Sur lies aging for 16 months was employed to fully integrate the acidity and fruit with the generous satin textured midpalate.
The name "The Insider" in this case comes from the fact that we cannot use the Sangiacomo designation on the labels because the suggested retail price is well below the famous vineyard family’s requirement to do so. With our insider connections and knowledge we are able to offer you a wine of exceptional quality and pedigree at a price that will amaze.