In the late 1920s, the Sangiacomo family purchased their first parcel in Sonoma—originally planted to fruit trees then to grapes for winemaking. In 1969, the Sangiacomo’s Green Acres vineyard was planted in part to the original Old Wente clone of Chardonnay. Saintsbury partnered with the Sangiacomo family in 1981 and for 35 years has made Chardonnay from the Green Acres vineyard.

The terroir is sandy loam soil; bordering the Sonoma Creek on the eastside and Fowler Creek running through the vineyard.

In the 2005 vintage, a warm Spring led to early bud break and bloom, while a cold May reduced fruit set and kept yields in check. Final ripening happened at a steady state and contributed to an early harvest with high fruit quality.

Hand harvested at night, fruit is on the crush pad by sunrise. The grapes are whole cluster pressed, and the wine is barrel fermented with light lees.

This is our second vintage of Chardonnays from Green Acres, including a very small amount of individually bottled clonal selections that will be available winery direct.