94pts Vinous
The 2019 Chardonnay Isobel Charles Heintz Vineyard is forward and racy, which makes it a good choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Tropical fruit and soft, oily contours - classic Heintz signatures - give the 2019 so much sheer appeal. Jasmine, passionfruit, mint, and tangerine oil linger.
93pts James Suckling
A layered nose of freshly cut grass, cedar and warm citrus. Medium-bodied with tight structure and bright, fresh acidity. Rings like a bell on the palate. Mineral finish. Drink now.
Winemaker’s Notes
In 2019, everything that could go right at Heintz went perfectly, and this young wine is a vintage highlight. Generous spring rains freshened and revitalized the soils, the summer was sunny and mild, and the fruit ripened steadily and perfectly to an early October harvest. This high-elevation classic coastal vineyard always shines when the grapes cruise to ripeness during the mild days of October rather than in September’s warmth. And the fruit in 2019 was absolutely pristine, making the latest bottling from this venerable old site one of our finest ever.
Bold, savory botanical notes complement the vineyard’s signature perfume of honeyed lemon and white flowers. Rich lemon curd, chamomile, waxy apple, and spearmint on the palate are buoyed by coastal energy that balances the wine’s intense oily texture. These old vines produce such a deep, rich core of fruit, every drop of tangy mineral acidity is needed to bring balance. Notes of sage and slate linger on the finish.
Drink between summer 2021 and 2027.
