Flowers Winery is one of the first pioneers on the Sonoma Coast, and was among the first to cultivate grapes on the steep slopes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The cool coastal climate and high elevation of these exceptional vineyards yield Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of remarkable complexity and elegance. But they've turned it up a notch, and this vintage might just be their best in a decade!
From the initial plantings more than 30 years ago, Flowers Vineyards & Winery has been inspired and defined by the Sonoma Coast. Sometimes referred to as the "far" Sonoma Coast, their rugged, windswept vineyards represent extreme viticulture in the pursuit of crafting wines representative of time and place. Their Camp Meeting Ridge is Flowers' flagship estate vineyard and situated a mere two miles from the ocean at nearly 1,500 feet. Its fruit combines elements of chilly coastal weather and mountain character. Perched on a knoll above the fog line, its carefully contoured vine rows bask in sunshine throughout the growing season while the ambient temperatures remain cool. An ideal combination for complex grapes.
The 2023 growing season was one of the best in recent memory, reminiscent of cooler vintages, characterized by slow, steady flavor development and natural balance. A cool spring followed by mild summer temperatures maintained consistent, slow growth, and a similarly late veraison allowed for restrained flavor development. Harvest provided ideal conditions, with extended hang time (a testament to their patience) resulted in savory, complex, and refreshingly bright wines with lower alcohol levels, beautifully expressing the time and place of origin.
This Chardonnay comes primarily from Flowers' organically-farmed Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard, as well as several family-owned vineyards that share their farming philosophy. Fermented entirely with native yeasts and aged in 100% French oak barrels, this wine is textbook Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. And... it's so good! In fact, when our California staff tried this wine, they felt it was the best Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay they've tasted in almost a decade! With the amount of Chardonnay our staff tastes, that's quite a testament! Add to that a wonderful 93-point score and a glowing review from Wine Spectator, and we think this could be the wine that makes you a star at the next neighborhood gathering!
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "A bright straw hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is elegant and refreshing with notes of preserved salted lime, green apples, wet stones, and delicate spice. The palate is full though compact and light on its feet, with fantastic clarity, focus, and an electric energy that propels the wine with a refreshing and balanced feel. An exceptional vintage for this wine, it has the ability to hold up over the long haul. Drink 2025-2037."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There's also an appealing grip on the finish, reminiscent of the skin of roasted, salted almonds, while a whiff of wild fennel lingers. Drink now through 2033."
From the initial plantings more than 30 years ago, Flowers Vineyards & Winery has been inspired and defined by the Sonoma Coast. Sometimes referred to as the "far" Sonoma Coast, their rugged, windswept vineyards represent extreme viticulture in the pursuit of crafting wines representative of time and place. Their Camp Meeting Ridge is Flowers' flagship estate vineyard and situated a mere two miles from the ocean at nearly 1,500 feet. Its fruit combines elements of chilly coastal weather and mountain character. Perched on a knoll above the fog line, its carefully contoured vine rows bask in sunshine throughout the growing season while the ambient temperatures remain cool. An ideal combination for complex grapes.
The 2023 growing season was one of the best in recent memory, reminiscent of cooler vintages, characterized by slow, steady flavor development and natural balance. A cool spring followed by mild summer temperatures maintained consistent, slow growth, and a similarly late veraison allowed for restrained flavor development. Harvest provided ideal conditions, with extended hang time (a testament to their patience) resulted in savory, complex, and refreshingly bright wines with lower alcohol levels, beautifully expressing the time and place of origin.
This Chardonnay comes primarily from Flowers' organically-farmed Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard, as well as several family-owned vineyards that share their farming philosophy. Fermented entirely with native yeasts and aged in 100% French oak barrels, this wine is textbook Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. And... it's so good! In fact, when our California staff tried this wine, they felt it was the best Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay they've tasted in almost a decade! With the amount of Chardonnay our staff tastes, that's quite a testament! Add to that a wonderful 93-point score and a glowing review from Wine Spectator, and we think this could be the wine that makes you a star at the next neighborhood gathering!
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "A bright straw hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is elegant and refreshing with notes of preserved salted lime, green apples, wet stones, and delicate spice. The palate is full though compact and light on its feet, with fantastic clarity, focus, and an electric energy that propels the wine with a refreshing and balanced feel. An exceptional vintage for this wine, it has the ability to hold up over the long haul. Drink 2025-2037."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There's also an appealing grip on the finish, reminiscent of the skin of roasted, salted almonds, while a whiff of wild fennel lingers. Drink now through 2033."
