Pale straw color; white peach, grapefruit, white flowers on the nose; white peach, lemon, lime zest, nectarine, grapefruit, honeydew melon, saline on the palate.
Dry; rich, viscous in the mouth. Very crisp acidity. Smoother and more fruity than last year’s effort, impressive balance of acidity, fruitiness, and saline-mineral notes. Blend of 90% sauvignon blanc, 7% sauvignon gris, 3% sauvignon musqué. Aged 41% in stainless steel and seven months in 13% new oak with bi-weekly bâttonage for three months. 14.6% ABV
Chalk Hill began in 1972 when Fred Furth flew his plane over the Russian River Valley and viewed a natural amphitheater carved in the hills of eastern Sonoma. He recognized it as an ideal site for a world-class vineyard and created an iconic Sonoma vineyard and winery. The property is more than 1,300 acres with 300 acres in vineyards; the remainder is wilderness areas, the winery, a hospitality center, and a culinary garden. Although the soil is chalky-white, it is not chalk. The white soil is of volcanic origin. The vineyards have distinctive and varied terroir.
Bill Foley is the vintner today, purchasing the property in 2010. He is the owner of the National Hockey League Vegas Golden Knights, an attorney, a graduate of West Point, a former captain in the U.S. Air Force, and chairman or board member of major financial and insurance companies. Today, Foley and his wife Carol live in Northern California part-time and are active philanthropists for many causes, especially those in support of veterans and children’s education.
Courtney Foley, youngest daughter of Bill and Carol Foley, is the head of winemaking. Like her father, she is an attorney, but she also studied enology and viticulture at both Napa Valley College and Fresno State University. Choosing vineyards over courtrooms, Courtney worked under winemaker Leslie Renaud at Lincourt and Foley Estates in Santa Barbara County and Roth Estate in Healdsburg before taking her position with Chalk Hill.
Chalk Hill Estate also is a destination. Website: “Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades ago, this spectacular 1300-acre property features 300 acres of vineyards, wilderness areas, winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses. The winery’s vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. More than two-thirds of the Chalk Hill Estate remains uncultivated. The higher elevations offer stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.”
Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill Appellation 2020 is a quality sauv blanc from a premier maker. More impressive that the previous vintage, which is saying something. Smooth, tasty. Excellent balance of ripe-fruit fruitiness, acidity, and saline notes. Pair with crab cakes; shellfish; fish; baked and rotisserie chicken; garden salads; vegetarian fare. Cheese—goat cheese and sheep’s milk cheese is go-to for sauv blanc; gruyere, asiago, muenster, gouda, brick, havarti, monterey jack, parmesan, swiss, cheddar. Cow’s milk cheeses are a tricky pairing because the acidity of both the cheese and wine compete. $22-30
