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Producer | Raeburn Skylight Chardonnay Sonoma County |
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Vintage | 2023 |
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Sku | 33328 |
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Size | 750ml |
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Raeburn Skylight Chardonnay Sonoma County
This wine shows notes of pear, apple and nectarine and a hint of oak. It is an excellent alternative for those who are being mindful of their calories or seeking a lighter alcohol offering per serving.
The 2023 vintage is exceptional with harvest starting on August 24th marking the start of another record-breaking season. The year began with above-average rainfall and below-average temperatures, which delayed the harvest past the early-August norm of previous years. A mild spring and summer allowed for extended hang time, contributing to the exceptional quality of the fruit. Despite a late start, the cooler weather continued, providing ideal conditions for the grapes to achieve proper balance and brix. The harvest extended well into fall, with some frost concerns due to cool nights. However, the overall wet and cool weather led to a harvest that is predicted to be outstanding in both quality and quantity. The 2023 vintage will be one of the finest in years, producing wines with beautiful flavors, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance.
Nose: Fresh and inviting. Bright notes of crisp green apple and ripe pear, with a lovely undertone of juicy nectarine. Unlike some heavily oaked Chardonnays, the "hint of oak" is exactly that—a subtle whisper of vanilla bean and perhaps a faint toasted nuttiness, rather than a dominant presence. There's also a delicate floral hint, possibly honeysuckle, which adds to its freshness.
Palate: Vibrant and refreshing. The flavors largely mirror the nose, with pear, apple, and nectarine taking center stage. Crucially, the acidity is lively and clean, providing a beautiful backbone that keeps the wine feeling light and energetic, true to its "Skylight" name. While it's lighter in body and alcohol (around 9% ABV), it doesn't taste thin or watery. There's a subtle creaminess on the mid-palate, likely from a touch of barrel fermentation and lees contact, which adds a pleasant texture without making it heavy. The hint of oak detected on the nose integrates seamlessly, offering a touch of complexity without overwhelming the fresh fruit.
Finish: Clean, crisp, and relatively swift, leaving a lingering impression of fresh fruit and a subtle mineral note. It's designed to be refreshing and easy to enjoy, making you want another "sip" without any lingering heaviness. It truly delivers on being a "lightened-up" yet flavorful Chardonnay.
Pairing
Lighter Seafood: This is a perfect match. Think grilled white fish (like cod, halibut, or sole) with lemon and herbs, steamed mussels or clams in a white wine broth, shrimp scampi, or oysters on the half shell. Its freshness will complement without overpowering.
Salads: Especially those with a focus on fresh greens, grilled chicken or shrimp, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Appetizers/Snacks: Perfect for goat cheese, lightly salted crackers, or fresh fruit platters (especially with apples, pears, and melon).
Raeburn
“At Raeburn we appreciate and are inspired by nature’s gifts while ‘leaving well enough alone.’ We take this approach when making wine, a task made easier when starting with grapes from Sonoma County’s finest vineyards and carefully bring our wines to life. Rather than engineer, we guide the grapes towards the best versions of themselves.”
Our name, Raeburn, is an Old English word that means, “the river where one drinks.” A fitting nod to those who prefer to slow down to observe, appreciate and flourish in nature’s surroundings.
Raeburn wines are elegant, lush and balanced, crafted to allow the natural character of the grape varietal to shine.
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