94pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge is cut from the same cloth with its impeccable purity and balance. Lots of honeyed citrus, lime, and pear notes as well as some subtle spice and nuttiness give way to a medium-bodied, fresh, focused Chardonnay that has notable acidity and a great finish. It's slightly more inward and reserved than the appellation release and might have a slightly longer drink window, but I find both Chardonnays to be sensational.
92pts Wine Spectator
Well-structured, with a savory cut to mineral-infused green apple and pear flavors that are pure and direct. Hints of Key lime on the vibrant finish with light spiciness.
Winemaker's Notes
The 2019 Chardonnay from Camp Meeting Ridge vineyard walks a tightrope of intriguing contrasts and dichotomies – it’s remarkably fresh and vibrant but richly textured at the same time. Aromas of delicate citrus blossom and Meyer lemon zest open, joined by fresh pear and hints of white stone fruit layered with the site’s signature coastal brininess: a mineral-driven oyster-shell quality with resiny herbs and hints of anise that nudge the wine in an appealing savory direction. The wet-stone character persists and frames the palate, underlying an exotic preserved-lemon character accentuated by bright marine acidity carrying the wine through a long, textured finish.
History
Over 25 years ago, Flowers Vineyards and Winery pioneered the growing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the rugged coastal ridges of the extreme Sonoma Coast. Joan and Walt Flowers had a simple goal, to make exceptional wine that captures the wild beauty of the land and the spirit of the Sonoma Coast. This idea continues to drive everything we do - farming responsibly, harvesting by hand, using 100% native fermentation, and making wine with minimal intervention. Our unwavering commitment to crafting distinctive wines that capture the spirit of the Sonoma Coast has been the bedrock of our success, and it will continue to drive us forward for years to come.
Perched on top of soaring coastal ridges that border the nearby Pacific Ocean, our estate vineyards, Camp Meeting Ridge and Sea View Ridge, rise to impressive elevations from 1,150 to 1,875 feet. Flowers resides in the Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticulture Area (AVA), which was established in 2012 and located on the extreme western edge of the Sonoma Coast Appellation. Defined by elevation, rugged terrain and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, vineyard plantings are limited to 920-1,800+ft above sea level and are only 2% of the total AVA acreage.
The Pacific Ocean is less than two miles from the vineyards, generating cooling sea breezes and coastal fog while the soaring elevations ensure abundant sunshine for a long, slow growing season. Together they create an ideal environment for elegant and nuanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
