Mission Codename Mother Chardonnay
Charlie Heintz is no ordinary grower. Particularly famous for his Chardonnay, his windswept vineyards at the edge of Green Valley where the cool Pacific influence roars in day and night are fabled. While top growers like Charlie supply cult wineries with impeccable fruit, it is commonly believed that if they make their own label, the very best is held back to adorn a label that bears the family name. Especially for a single block Chardonnay that is a tribute to his beloved mother! This parcel-select beauty hails from the coolest corner of this cool growing region that overlaps both Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast AVAs, equal in prestige as top appellations for Chardonnay in California.
Reminiscent of a brilliant ray of sunshine, this gold colored Chardonnay shines in the glass. White pineapple, mango, lemon meringue, jasmine, poached pear, with hints of cinnamon and crème brûlée all grace the wonderfully expressive nose. Full-bodied, creamy and rich on the palate, with abundant notes of honeydew, honeysuckle, fig, and melon with a supple touch of butterscotch. A coastal exuberance and exoticism prevail on the finish, voluptuous and in-your-face, lasting a minute plus. Calling all crabs for ideal pairing potential, be it buttered and whole, half, Louie, cocktail, salt & pepper, soft-shell, bisque, you name it.
Charles Heintz is an iconic winegrower, partnering with Hugh Chappelle, veteran of Flowers, Lynmar, and Quivira. These Chardonnay grapes were planted in 1982, and these established vines produce incredibly complex, mature fruit. This particular Chardonnay is Charlie’s flagship. The Heintz family has been growing their grapes in the same place since 1912 - over 100 years. That’s a true Sonoma native. They’ve learned a thing or two in the intervening years, and today our Operatives can find out for themselves for over 40% off. If you’re a Chardonnay lover, today’s offer is not to be missed.
With dozens of 95+ rated wines from this vineyard that have been featured in top wine publications worldwide, Heintz’s estate vineyard is so famed, that it was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as a “Grand Cru” site of Chardonnay, comparing it to France’s top vineyards.
What the Winery Says
2014 "Rachael" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- Winemaker
- Hugh Chappelle
- Varietal
- Chardonnay
- Vintage
- 2014
- Appellation
- Sonoma Coast
- Abv
- 14.4%
- Aging
- 16 months
- Barrels
- 40% new French oak
- Production
- 8 barrels