2017 Radio-Coteau Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

WSI94+ VIN95 The 2017 Chardonnay Heintz is such a textbook example from this site. Apricot, passionfruit, chamomile, spice and buttery notes all give the 2017 striking exoticism to match its oily, viscous personality. Racy and overt to the core, the 2017 is an absolute winner from Radio-Coteau.
Estate Notes: Although the fruit is familiar, the 2017 vintage is our inaugural release of the Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay as its own vineyard designate, capturing the subtleties of the site. The nose and palate are vibrant, with notes of Asian pear, ripe green apple, and bright Meyer lemon. Fragrant floral aromas of young apple blossoms waft throughout, a nod to this historically apple-dominant region. An underlying flintiness adds mineral complexity, while roasted hazelnuts and a touch of fresh bread dough round out the lengthy finish 
Located just a stone’s throw across Harrison Grade from the Estate, the Heintz Ranch is a pedigreed site with mature vines in the hills above Occidental. Planted on Goldridge sandy loam soil, the organically grown fruit is nurtured by moderately warm days and cool evenings, resulting in a richness balanced by lively acidity. Previously the backbone of our Wingtine Chardonnay, the 2017 Heintz Chardonnay now stands alone, showcasing the Radio-Coteau expression of this unique terroir.