2021 Rivers-Marie Joy Road Vineyard Chardonnay 21RMJRCH75

We never know what we are going to get with this tiny block of Chardonnay from Joy Road.  The wine has veered from an almost Sauvignon Blanc like steeliness to a slightly botrysized warmer-sited white Burgundy in the 10 or so years we’ve worked with it.  In the past few though, we are finally seeing the real character of what this site best represents, a true west Sonoma Coast site focused on a wide mix of fruit characters provided by the site and the clone.  Its location leans naturally toward the citrus/yuzu side of the varietal while the clone provides richer fruit flavors of peach, pineapple, mango and a light, floral lift.  It’s very unique in the line up and like Purrington Rued, tastes unlike anything else I’ve had from the area.  It finishes with a chalky, white chocolate note that helps balance the acidity of the site.