Two new releases from iconic Sonoma winery Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery, established in 1972 and today an exemplar of the region.
2015 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Chalk Hill Appellation – This classic California chardonnay initially comes off as pushy with its oak, vanilla, and brown butter notes, but there’s a surprisingly spicy element — lemongrass and nutmeg notes — that takes things in a somewhat different direction. Incredibly easy-drinking, particularly with food. A- / $42
2015 Chalk Hill Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – A significant cocoa influence leads this wine toward notes of fresh cherries, mint, and blueberries. Some graphite-laden earth gives the wine a different finish, but it’s the lingering notes of violets that elevate the wine even further. A- / $40