The 2022 Auteur Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a California white wine hailing from the Sonoma Coast, crafted by the producer Auteur. This Chardonnay is made with the Old Wente clone, known for its distinctive characteristics in the varietal. The wine has received positive recognition from several professional reviewers, highlighting its appealing qualities.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this Chardonnay a score of 91, noting its "attractive nose of candied apple, preserved lemon, and honeysuckle." He describes it as medium-bodied with a "light touch on the palate" and a "nice refreshing feel," suggesting it as a charming wine for consumption over the next few years.
The Wine Independent gave the wine an excellent score of 94, praising its "scents of lemon drops and lime leaves" and a core of "honeydew melon and baker's yeast with a hint of brine." The review emphasizes the wine's "crisp and lively" palate, enhanced by "plenty of citrusy layers and a zippy finish."
Wine Enthusiast also highly rated the Chardonnay at 93 points, with Tom R. Capo highlighting the "zingy freshness" on the nose, reminiscent of summer. The palate is described with flavors of "green apple, pear, lemon curd, chalky minerality, and fresh cut flower" leading to a "racy, acid-driven finish."
Wine Spectator, giving the wine a score of 90, mentions its "pretty aromatics of lemon oregano, verbena, and green tea," combined with firm flavors of "pomelo, lemon zest, and green apple." The wine is characterized by a "sleek, mouthwatering frame" with "touches of crushed rock minerality and fresh ginger on the finish."
Overall, the 2022 Auteur Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is noted for its fresh, citrusy profile, lively acidity, and appealing complexity, making it a noteworthy choice among California Chardonnays.