2015 Argot ‘Simpatico Ranch’ Chardonnay

WA95+ Wow—I just love the nose of the 2015 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch, which sings of fresh grapefruit, lemon curd and yuzu with nuances of acacia honey, fresh ginger, lime blossoms and chopped almonds. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with a stunning array of citrus, spice and floral notions, backed by seamless freshness and packaged in a beautiful satin-textured frame, finishing with great length and depth. Yes, yes, yes! 150 cases produced.
Winemaker Notes: From old-vines. A-glow with an eye-catching, chartreuse halo; from first pour it is apparent that this is a special Chardonnay. Powerful aromas of key-lime, white flowers, orange blossoms and a fierce, flinty, sauvage note define a wildly complex nose. Once in the mouth, gracefully pronounced textures coat the palate delivering an exotic interpretation of cool-climate Chardonnay character — lime peel, orange blossom, ginger and clove —lingerings deep into a vibrant finish.

One of the coldest Chardonnay vineyards in Sonoma County, each vintage Simpatico Ranch tracks up to 2 weeks behind the county average in ripening.  Using this cool-climate “canvas”, we employ a Meursault-inspired, winemaking regimen to create a one-of-a-kind California Chardonnay.  Simpatico Ranch delivers a distinctly cool climate fruit profile, leaning towards lemon curd and key lime pie.  The significant natural acidity invigorates the mid, conjuring feral notes of fennel, fresh-cut hay, flint and raw popcorn kernels.  The huge finish crescendos into notes of brioche, panna cotta and almond paste.
Vineyard was planted in 1978 in the volcanic soils and gently-sloped, south-facing foothills of Bennett Peak on Bennett Valley’s floor. 100% Chardonnay, Old-Wente selection
Night harvested by hand on 9/24, whole-cluster pressed direct to barrel, no settling for maximum lees contact; barrel fermented on heavy lees; 100% malolactic fermentation
Aged 20 months in French oak, 50% new. Finished 2 months in steel tank, very low Sulphur during barrel elevage
175 cases produced.