Gregory Graham 2022 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros

Fantastic new Chardonnay from former Rombauer winemaker Gregory Graham! Rombauer Chardonnay is one of the benchmark wines in the Napa Valley, renowned for their signature oaky, buttery cult following. Gregory Graham was the winemaker there for 10-years and now makes wine for himself.  Sourced from the legendary Sangiacomo vineyard, this wine carries a little more swagger and a little less price for anyone looking for Rombauer. Tasting Notes: "The Gregory Graham Chardonnay Carneros begins with fruit aromas of peach and pear that are enhanced with hints of toasted oak, thyme, and caramel. The wine is very full-bodied, with flavors of ripe peach and tropical fruits, with a rich, thick finish. The oak is very well integrated, adding light toast to the aroma and accentuating the wine's richness with flavors of creamy vanilla and toffee. This Chardonnay can be enjoyed on its own or with anything that calls for rich, full-bodied vin blanc." While working as winemaker at Rombauer Vineyard in Napa Valley, Greg envisioned producing wines under his own label. He began to do so in 1992, using fruit he purchased in Napa, Carneros and Knights Valley. In September 2000 Greg seized the opportunity to grow his own wine grapes and thus increase the quality of his wines. He and his wife Marianne purchased a 13-acre Zinfandel vineyard in the Red Hills Appellation of Lake County. The fruit comes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard just south of the town of Sonoma in the Carneros area, which provides ideal soils and climate. The Sangiacomo's have been sustainably farming for three generations, providing quality grapes for numerous wineries since the late 1960s.