The 2022 Iaconis Chardonnay opens with vibrant aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and crushed stones—notes that draw immediate comparisons to the minerally-driven wines of the Côte de Beaune. As the wine evolves in the glass, delicate hints of almond blossom, toasted hazelnut, and a subtle touch of fresh butter emerge—characteristics that speak to the influence of time spent aging in French oak puncheons. These larger barrels, known for their ability to provide a more subtle integration of oak, impart a refined complexity while allowing the terroir of the vineyard to truly shine. On the palate, the wine is both rich and fresh, with a creamy texture and a firm backbone of acidity. The bright citrus and orchard fruit flavors—lemon curd, green apple, and ripe pear—are balanced by a savory, almost saline minerality, underscoring the unique terroir of our high-elevation vineyards.
With only 300 bottles produced, the 2022 Iaconis Chardonnay is a rare offering that allows us to share a wine of remarkable potential. While still youthful, the wine already exhibits the structure and elegance we expect to see evolve over time. It will continue to reveal deeper layers of complexity as it ages, developing the nuanced characteristics that we admire in the finest white Burgundies, while also showcasing the distinctive richness and power that California vineyard sites are uniquely capable of producing. This wine is a testament to the incredible potential of California as a source of world-class Chardonnay that can be cellared through 2038.
From the start, we have been captivated by the elegance and depth of Chardonnay, particularly those from Burgundy and Champagne. Our ultimate goal has always been to make an age-worthy Chardonnay that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest white wines from Burgundy. We believe we’re achieving that vision through a careful selection of high-elevation vineyard sites, like those in the Anderson and Napa Valleys, where the cool climate and extended growing season enable us to produce wines with both precision and power. In California, the dramatic diurnal temperature shifts—from warm days to cool nights—offer a growing season that can often surpass Burgundy in terms of the range of conditions necessary to nurture Chardonnay of this caliber. What truly sets these California sites apart, however, is their ability to preserve the same natural acidity and minerality that defines the best Burgundy wines, but with an added dimension of texture and richness that is uniquely Californian.
2022 Iaconis Chardonnay is a rare offering that allows us to share a wine of remarkable potential. 300 bottles produced
