Maiden release from an experienced, talented Napa Valley couple. A combination of two Sonoma Coast vineyards: “Sangiacomo” near Carneros and “Platt” western Sonoma Coast. A classy wine from start to finish, the Altar Chardonnay Sonoma Coast grabbed me with grapefruit ice, crisp green apples and pears, fresh biscuits topped with a dollop of sweet butter. I could go on with descriptors. More important are the marriages of ripe with tangy and subtlety with intensity. There is texture, freshness and depth. I found everything I want in a top-notch Chardonnay, and none of them dominating the others. It’s a solid wine that, in the upper echelon of Chardonnay “is a classic, straightforward Chardonnay for drinking anytime,” in the words of co-owner/winemaker Shawn J0hnson,
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Altar Winery‘s first releases are two 2016 vintage Sonoma Coast Chardonnays and a 2017 Santa Cruz Pinot Noir. Husband/wife owners have “day jobs” in winemaking (Shawn Johnson) and marketing (Beth Cook) as they develop their own brand. Everything they make is and likely will be hands-on, tiny-production, distinctive wines of the highest quality. This is definitely a winery to watch!
Read all my Altar Winery reviews HERE.
