Michael McNeil
Custodians of Burgundian-Style Winemaking in California
Sonoma Valley
Nestled in the Mayacamas mountains above the town of Sonoma, 46-acre Hanzell Vineyards produces wines prized by collectors worldwide. Its place in the pantheon of California winemaking history is undisputed. This estate is home to the oldest continuously producing Pinot Noir vines in North America, and the first-ever French oak-aged California Chardonnays were raised in their cellar. With such undeniable pedigree, Hanzell Vineyards has seldom had the desire to sell grapes. That we were able to secure a fruit contract here is one of our proudest moments.
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard designate: Hanzell Vineyard
Soil type: cobblestones, volcanic, red clay
Elevation: 800 feet
Clone: Chardonnay Hanzell Clone
Average age of vines: old vines, low-yields, heritage Hanzell Clone, volcanic soil, elite pedigree
Unique aspect: old vines, low-yields, heritage Hanzell Clone, volcanic soil, elite pedigree
Farming: Organic
Sourced for: Hanzell Vineyard Chardonnay
What to expect from the wines: Age-worthy, mountain-grown Chardonnay that smells of fresh loquats and spearmint, and tastes like candied lemon peels, Mirabelle