Lancel Creek is a secluded two-acre vineyard perched above the tiny hamlet of Occidental on the remote Sonoma Coast. The pale, off-white Goldridge soil provides just enough nutrients and moisture for these densely planted vines to ripen a small amount of intensely aromatic and flavorful Chardonnay. The vineyard faces the Pacific Ocean, a mere five miles to the west. The combined influence of the cold Pacific and the warming afternoon sun produces a wine of incredible richness and sublime balance.
Soil types: Goldridge, fine sandy loam.
Age of the vines: 15 years
"The 2017 Chardonnay Lancel Creek is powerful and resonant, yet also retains striking translucence. Lemon confit, honeysuckle, wild flowers and lightly honeyed notes all grace this exquisite Chardonnay. Even with all of its obvious texture, the Lancel Creek is translucent and light on its feet. The 2017 is rich but not overdone in any way. What a beautiful wine it is. - Antonio Galloni"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (January 2020), 94 pts
"Custard notes accent the decadently ripe, lavishly spiced apple and pear flavors. The creamy texture on the finish is loaded with buttery and toasty richness. Drink now through 2024. - Kim MARKUS"
- Wine Spectator Insider (April 8th 2020), 93 pts
"The 2016 Chardonnay Lancel Creek Vineyard has a very pretty nose of honeysuckle, wet stone and freshly cut hay with a core of Golden Delicious apples and lemon curd plus hazelnut and honey toast sparks. Medium to full-bodied, it's wonderfully pure in the mouth—apples, nuts and honey—with juicy acidity, finishing long and clean. 125 cases produced.- Erin Brooks"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #242, April 2019), 94 pts
"The 2016 Chardonnay Lancel Creek is a rich, exuberant wine. A veil of reduction adds freshness to the ample, creamy fruit, while baked apple tart, pear, white FLowers and mint add striking aromatic top notes to this rich, beautifully textured Chardonnay. Simply gorgeous."
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2018), 94 pts
"White fruit confit flavors are matched to lemon meringue and savory accents in this full-bore style. Dried mango details show on the slightly tannic finish, revealing intense spicy notes. Drink now through 2024. - K.M."
- Wine Spectator (May 1st 2019), 93 pts
"Rich and full-bodied, with bold, assertive yet graceful fig, melon, apricot and tangerine notes, showing a nice oak dimension and ending long, deep, complex and persistent. Drink now through 2022. 110 cases made. – JL"
- Wine Spectator (June 2018), 93 pts
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