Region: Sonoma Coast, California

Vintage: 2021

Composition: 100% Chardonnay

History: Senses Wines is the dream of three childhood friends. Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs partnered with critically acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, to produce world-class wines from renowned vineyards planted by their families. Since founding in 2011, Senses’ production has grown to include many coveted vineyard sites throughout northern California. Senses’ estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley regions of Sonoma County, specifically just outside the town of Occidental where the three founders grew up. The wines embody the natural characteristics of the vineyards from where the grapes are grown. The team believes the vineyards are their greatest assets, and they meticulously farm each vine to be as hands-off as possible in winemaking. This approach ensures complexity and purity, vintage after vintage. Grapes are hand sampled and harvested at ideal ripeness, cold-soaked for a few days, fermented with yeasts indigenous to the vineyard, and ultimately pressed and barreled into a selection of French cooperages.

Tasting Notes: 

The 2023 Russian River Valley Chardonnay comes bounding out with eager to please notes of ripe yellow apples and apricots, plus suggestions of Marcona almonds and baking bread. The medium to full-bodied palate is silky and soft-spoken with soft acidity and a savory finish.