2012 Kesner Rockbreak Chardonnay

Kesner Wines was founded in 2002 by Jason Kesner, who managed Hudson Vineyards in Carneros before trying his hand at winemaking. He started with one barrel of Chardonnay and by the following vintage his Chardonnay was being recommended at The French Laundry, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious restaurants. In 2008 he became assistant winemaker at Kistler Vineyards while continuing to make his own limited production wines from grapes sourced from the Sonoma Coast, the Russian River Valley, Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Kesner focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but has also made Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache and Zinfandel blends. The wines are available primarily by mailing list.

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.