Patz & Hall 2012 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Patz & Hall was founded in 1988 by four individuals; Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Together, they have turned Patz & Hall into one of California’s premier wineries, with a renowned portfolio of single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The seeds for Patz & Hall were planted in the 1980s when assistant winemaker James Hall and national sales manager Donald Patz struck up a close friendship while working together at Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards. The two discovered a mutual enthusiasm for a rich and compelling style of wine made by applying traditional winemaking techniques to fruit from elite, small vineyards. Inspired to combine their winemaking and sales talents, James and Donald joined with partners Anne Moses and Heather Patz, to establish Patz & Hall in 1988.
Opening a bottle of Sonoma Coast 100% Chardonnay, which was sourced from about 5 renowned vineyards, I observed a straw yellow color and immediately got the aromas of fresh ripe fruit and sweet notes of honey and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate the fruit comes forth with layered flavors of green apple, citrus, sweet melon and white peaches. An undertone of mineral and oak makes this Chardonnay very clean and rich, a delight to drink. The Chardonnay was barrel aged, 38% in new Burgundian French oak. Don’t pass up this top shelf Chardonnay, around $30 it rivals Chardonnay costing $50+. I was so impressed by this wine, I will be trying one of their single vineyard Chardonnay’s soon.
Cheers!