Patz & Hall “Sonoma” Chardonnay

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$32 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Patz & Hall is old school Sonoma, a highly regarded chardonnay producer, as evidenced by the recently awarded high altitude score for this wine—93 points from Robert Parker.  The brand was launched in 1988 after James Hall (founder and winemaker) hooked up with Donald Patz (founder and national sales director) while working at Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards in Napa.  Along with fellow founders, Anne Moses and Heather Moses, the team focuses on producing single-vineyard chardonnay and pinot noir.

After 25 years, this original team is still very much hands-on.  When I called to ask a question about production, Donald Patz answered the telephone.  The wines speak for themselves.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The cool growing seasoned allowed for extended hang time, underscoring high tone tropical notes on the palate, with sur lie aging adding lovely elements of graham cracker, clove and brioche. Throughout, excellent acidity and a core of minerality keep the wine focused and fresh, adding definition to flavors of green apple, summer melon and peach. The finish is long, crisp and minerally, with a lingering note of lemon zest and subtle spice from oak aging.”

Wine Advocate Review (93 points):   “The 2012 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is a big-time winner. Beautiful notes of ripe pineapple, orange marmalade, honeysuckle and white currants jump from the glass of this wine, which was made from a combination of clones such as the old Wente as well as the newer Burgundy Dijon clones. This wine has full body, great acidity, and is a fresh, gorgeous Chardonnay to drink over the next three to four years.” —Robert Parker

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