2022 Marine Layer 'Durell Vineyard' Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
From one of Sonoma’s most pedigreed Chardonnay sites, Marine Layer crafts a wine of precision and power. Durell Vineyard—first planted in 1979—draws from sandy loam hillsides and stony old riverbed soils, tempered by the cool embrace of both the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Chardonnay has always been its crown jewel, and in 2022, the vineyard delivers a bottling of remarkable concentration and finesse.
Opening with honeycrisp apple, citrus blossom, and chamomile, the wine expands into layers of lemon curd, satsuma orange, and white peach, framed by saline minerality and a whisper of warm spice. Silky yet vibrant, it lingers with luxurious texture and impressive length. Only 100 cases produced, and already showered with acclaim: 95 points, James Suckling; 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck; 93 points, Vinous.
An iconic site, a tiny production, and big praise—secure your share before this benchmark Chardonnay is gone.
Jeb Dunnuck
Pouring a straw yellow hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard offers a good deal of complexity and depth on the nose, with ripe, mineral aromas leading with savory notes of wet stones, peach, fresh flowers, tangerine, and baking spice. From volcanic soils, it has a full-bodied, rounded feel, with more decadence upfront, and it has a good deal of persistence and length through the finish. It’s long on the palate and approachable. Drink 2025-2035.
James Suckling
This really stands out for its savory, almost nutty character and brilliant balance, but with great richness and luxuriousness. Made from mostly Wente clone grapes grown on a sloping site. Medium bodied and opulent. Drink now or hold.
"VN93Vinous
The 2022 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is a powerful, phenolic wine. Production was just two puncheons. Apricot, white flowers, spice and chamomile all take shape in the glass.
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