The grapes come from Failla's Gualala Ranch Estate property planted in 1998 and dry-farmed. Several miles east of the Pacific Ocean, this 90 acre parcel is planted to 11 acres of vineyards, just over 2 ½ to Chardonnay. The organically-farmed grapes from this extremely remote, western sub-appellation of Sonoma County are hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed and undergo native yeast fermentation in a combination of 30% concrete egg and 70% French oak (10% new). The wine is then aged sur-lie for 11 months. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "Failla remains somewhat under the radar relative to its peers at the very high end in Sonoma, perhaps because the focus is heavily skewed towards farming and making wine rather than marketing. But make no mistake about it, this is about as good as it gets for wines that speak to place, variety and vintage."
"The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard is another superb wine from Ehren Jordan's home ranch. Soaring aromatics lead into a core of lemon confit, white glowers, herbs, menthol and chamomile. This potent, structured Chardonnay has it all, including the ability to be extremely versatile at the dinner table."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "Failla remains somewhat under the radar relative to its peers at the very high end in Sonoma, perhaps because the focus is heavily skewed towards farming and making wine rather than marketing. But make no mistake about it, this is about as good as it gets for wines that speak to place, variety and vintage."
"The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard is another superb wine from Ehren Jordan's home ranch. Soaring aromatics lead into a core of lemon confit, white glowers, herbs, menthol and chamomile. This potent, structured Chardonnay has it all, including the ability to be extremely versatile at the dinner table."
