2013 Matthiasson Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay

Matthiasson is owned and operated by Steve and Jill Matthiasson, who run their Napa Valley micro farm as a true family operation, producing a myriad of agricultural products and wine. They make very small batches of some of the most admired – and unusual -- wines coming out of Napa. The Matthiassons have championed the white grapes of northern Italy, such as Ribolla Gialla, and the ancient Italian red grapes Refosco and Schioppettino. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and blends. Reviewers have been impressed. Matthiasson was a semi-finalist in the 2015 James Beard Foundation’s award for winemaking, and the San Francisco Chronicle named him 2014 Winemaker of the Year. Steve was a philosophy major who returned to college to study horticulture and then worked for years as a consultant in sustainable agriculture and winemaking before focusing on the family winemaking venture. Jill majored in botany and earned an advanced degree in agriculture. The couple are part of what’s been called the new DIY winemaking movement. They make artisanal wines with grapes sourced from leased vineyards, and they make styles and varieties that defy Napa winemaking conventions. Matthiasson source grapes from Oak Knoll, Dry Creek, Rutherford and Coombsville.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.