Violin Wines Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard 2022
Violin Wines Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard 2022
92 pts Vinous
Drinking Window 2024 - 2030
The 2022 Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard is understated in the glass, displaying a nuanced blend of honeyed florals, yellow apples, hints of ginger and iodine. It’s juicy upon entry, with salty minerals to balance as ripe orchard fruits swirl throughout, all guided by brisk acidity. It leaves a gentle tension to linger through the subtly tannic finale as notes of sour citrus fade. - By Eric Guido on May 2024
The single acre is maintained with concentration in mind, limiting shoot growth through early thinning and eventual cluster removal, pushing the ripening curve earlier in the season. Since 2019, we find Sojeau Chard to have a rich and chewy texture, well balanced by its acid core and profound aromatic pop. Fermented and aged in both 500L and 228L French Oak for 12 months before a transfer (with lees) to stainless steel for a further 5 months before bottling.
The intensity here at the highest level so far: yellow orchard fruits, candied flowers, lemongrass, and an edge of tropical citrus blast. Salty and firm on entry, leaning savory on the palate without huge perfume, keeping the focus in check. So taught and refreshing, with terse, structural elements leading this toward exceptional length. Pretty, inviting, juicy and dense, but never over the top. The total package feels like the best we’ve done, and we continue to love the modest alcohols, easing the sense of freshness from black to front.