2014 Chamboule Y.T.E. Chardonnay

Chamboulé, in Forestville, was started in 2011 by vigneron Francois Morissette and winemaker Matt Taylor. The men met while hiking on a beach in northern California, and quickly realized that they both shared a background in winemaking and international travel. Both trained by working at wineries around the world. Taylor has worked for wine producers in Burgundy, Argentina, Spain and New Zealand. Morissette worked in Burgundy before starting his own wine brand in Ontario, Canada. Since 2011 the partners have acquired three estate sites in Northern California, two in the Sonoma Coast appellation and one on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley. Their debut vintage is the 2014 Acronym Series, which includes a Chardonnay, a Cabernet Franc and a Pinot Noir.

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.