2022 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
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Tasting Notes
“Pale straw color. Scents of apple, fig, molasses, nectarine, and honey unite in this austere Chardonnay. With some time in glass, notes of lemon custard flows out. While these qualities segue into the palate, they flow into a plush yet precise texture. The finish is undulating and with lively persistence. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
June 2024
“The 2022 Chardonnay Sierra Mar Vineyard is a little more reserved and ethereal than the other Chardonnays in the range, but it’s soft and caressing in the mouth. Hailing from the highest-elevation site in the portfolio, the 2022 is layered, complex and soft-spoken, casting gentle floral tones, nuttiness and a cooling, minty sensation across the palate. This is supremely charming in its subtlety. ” Billy Norris, Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, April 2024
“Fresh and peachy white with ripe stone fruit, pineapple, pastry crust and cream. Medium- to full-bodied, vivid and agile, with focused acidity and a flavorful finish. Very satisfying and delicious. Drink or hold.” JamesSuckling.com, April 2024
Production Data
Growers: Franscioni Framily
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1000 feet; Southeast
Soil: Decomposed granite/gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 15 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in French oak, 48% new
Production: 12 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (Clone 95 & Clone 96)
Acidity: 3.3 pH, 6.16 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 9, 2022, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2024
Release Price: $57
Drink Now through 2032
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Past Vintage Wine Scores
Sierra Mar Vineyard
The Sierra Mar Vineyard is owned by the Franscioni Family and is located at one of the highest elevations in the Santa Lucia Highlands at just over 1,000 ft. The land is a dramatic 44-acre site that has been in the Franscioni Family for four generations and was originally part of a 420-acre cattle ranch. The steep and remote vineyard is divided by terrain and alluvial plains into distinct blocks with individual terroir. Gary Franscioni says Sierra Mar’s naturally thin soils, gusting winds, lack of water and high-altitude inaccessibility make for extremely exceptional wines. Testarossa is proud to be able to make wines from all five of the Franscioni/Pisoni properties.