Domaine Anderson Dach Chardonnay

Anderson Valley, California, United States

Vintage:2018 (Past)

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Domaine Anderson Dach Chardonnay 2018
  • WE 94
  • W&S 92

Reviews

Wine & Spirits

92 Points

October 2021, Josh Greene

“This estate vineyard surrounds Domaine Anderson’s winery in Philo, certified biodynamic since 2016. Darrin Low ages this wine for a year in French oak barrels, but you might not notice given its fresh focus and brisk flavors. While firm and juicy, it’s also light and airy in a cool rain of lemon and lemon-balm notes. There’s a racy, low-key acidity underneath, ready to enliven mussels in white wine.”

Wine Enthusiast

94 Points, Editors Choice

July 1, 2021, Jim Gordon

“Luxuriously ripe and creamy, this full-bodied wine from a small vineyard block is balanced nicely by lively apple and citrus flavors that play against notes of toast, butter, almonds and poached pears. Concentration and layering make it extra special.”

Overview

Domaine Anderson is nestled in the breathtaking, fog-cooled hillside and mountain terrain of Northern California’s Anderson Valley. The cooling marine layer that is characteristic of this region provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. The wines are crafted with precision and care to express the uniqueness of the Anderson Valley terroir.

The Dach vineyard, just half a mile east of the town of Philo, lies on the valley floor at an altitude of 300 feet. Fog and cool nights act as the natural factors to extend the growing season, while the sandy clay Perrygulch soils are carefully drained to promote a balanced maturation. Dach vineyard is certified Demeter biodynamic & CCOF organic.

Winemaking

The 2.6-acre parcel for Domaine Anderson Dach Vineyard Chardonnay was hand-picked at night to take advantage of cool temperatures. 100% whole cluster press resulted in clean, fresh juice before settling and starting fermentation in barrel. Using only neutral barrels, the juice was fermented using only indigenous yeast. Barrel ageing continued for 10 months during which the wine went through cool and slow malolactic fermentation. In late summer, the wine is taken out of barrel, blended and kept on light lees for further aging in small 75-gallon stainless steel containers before a light filtration and bottling the following winter.

Tasting Notes

Translucent yellow-gold in the glass, the 2018 Dach Chardonnay intrigues with aromas of lemon oil, white flowers, and light butter alongside a hint of sweet oak. The palate shows a balance between purity and tension with a suggestion of salinity. Finish is long with flavors of pear, lime and almond.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Wine Alcohol: 13.1%

Titratable Acidity: 6.6 g/L

pH: 3.29

Aging: 10 months in oak barrel followed by 6 months in stainless steel barrels

Aging Potential: 4-5 years

Cases Produced: 54