Trig Point
Chardonnay Russian River Valley – 2020
Region: california - sonoma
Trig Point
“A “trig” has been used for many years to establish boundary lines. Trigonometrical stations were set on the top of hills and used as surveying sites. Just as my father was a land surveyor and used these trigs as a reference, so do I when it comes to well known vineyard sites” Nick Goldschmidt, Winemaker.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Signpost Vineyard in the West Sebastopol area of Russian River Valley.
- Region produces wonderfully bright, refreshing style of Chardonnay with crisp, green apple characteristics, medium-to-high acidity and good length
- Afternoon breezes continually cool vineyard, under marine layer
- Cool sunlight produces smaller grapes with more ripening days at lower temperatures, producing fruit with more flavor, complexity and quality
- Vineyards were former apple orchards replanted in 1990s
- Soil: Deep to very deep Goldridge sandy loam
- Clone: Old field selection
- Yield: 4 tons/acre
Harvest Notes
- 2020 rainfall 2/3 of average; March & April rains had huge influence in helping vines thrive through hot summer days and cool nights
- Early warmth precipitated harvest beginning 10 days earlier than historical Sonoma County vintages
- Alexander Valley’s intense fogs came in from coast every 3 days or so
- Very small crop – 60% of normal; light & rare vintage!
- Hand harvested
- Gently whole-cluster pressed, settled for 48 hrs
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- Full malolactic fermentation
- Aged 9 months in medium toast oak barrels
Winemaker's Notes
The smaller berries of the 2020 vintage have resulted in higher fruit concentration and adding a little extra plushness. This opens to ripe creamy aromas with fresh flavors of lychee, tangerine, Asian pear and a little nutty brioche. The wine is rich and light, and beautifully balanced. There are lively lemon flavors accented by creamy aromas. The long succulent apple pie-finish is topped off with melon, subtropical fruits, and a touch of butterscotch right on the finish.
Wine Summary
100% old field selection Chardonnay; alcohol: 13.9%; vineyard in west of Sebastopol in Russian River area with cooling marine influence that naturally limits crop; Goldridge sandy loam soils; hand harvested; gentle whole-cluster pressed with 48 hour settling; fermented in stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation; aged 9 months in medium toast barrels.
Technical Information
- 100% Chardonnay, old field selection
- Alcohol: 13.9%
- Total Acidity: 6.7 g/l
- pH: 3.53
Reviews
93 Points
#60 Top 100 of 2022
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Luxurious in texture and ripe in flavor, this well-oaked and nicely buttery wine from winemaker Nick Goldschmidt exudes richness from the first whiff of caramel to the flavors of poached pear to a lingering finish. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine went through full malolactic to soften and enhance the butter, and then aged in oak barrels for nine months.
Wine Enthusiast, November, 2022
General Info
| Country | USA |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| Appellation(s) | Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast |
| Proprietors | Nick & Yolyn Goldschmidt |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Winemaker | Nick Goldschmidt |
| Annual Production | 5,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable/organic |
