Intense, penetrating Chardonnay from start to finish, showing off loads of acidity, crushed rock-driven earth and a wound up yet humongous core of citrus and orchard (pear, apple, peach) fruitiness. Like a racy, formidable White Burgundy, the Read Holland Chardonnay “Peter Martin Ray” touches on all the flavors: sweet, salty, sour (I call it tangy), bitter and umami. They all interweave to make a unique, special Chardonnay. This is still a pup. Cellar and drink it in 2025 and beyond. While it doesn’t rate highly on value system, it IS a great value for the customer who buys high-end, cellar-worthy Chardonnay. For this customer, the Read Holland Chardonnay is a find.
Winemaker/Co-Owner Ashley Holland crafts tiny amounts of Pinot Noir, Riesling (both from Anderson Valley) and this Chardonnay from the mystical “Peter Martin Ray Vineyard” overlooking the Silicon Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ashley’s resume includes winemaking and production at Three Sticks and Pax. Amongst her many current jobs and obligations, she is the winemaker for West + Wilder, the leader in producing exceptional wine in cans.