2018 was a wonderful year. We can’t stress that enough. It was cool, steady and warm just when it needed to be, and the rain stayed away as long as we wanted, leading to ripe, fresh, beautiful wines. The 2018 The Sage embodies these qualities and then some and is our most nuanced Chardonnay to date. Aromas of lemon oil, fennel frond, apricot, turbinado sugar, lime blossom, orange zest, nutmeg and biscuit waft from the glass. The palate is hugely silky with wonderful balance, energy and perfume. These Old Wente vines from 1980 continue to produce gorgeous fruit, making us feel so lucky to be able to work with this fantastic site.
The 2018 Chardonnay The Sage opens with lovely apricots, yellow apples and poached pears notes plus hints of honeysuckle, lemongrass and ginger. Delicately styled with a medium body, it has a graceful, well-poised palate of lively citrus and apple-laced flavors, finishing with a zesty lift.
Lots of musky melon, citrus, dried herbs, and a touch of salty minerality emerge from the 2018 Chardonnay The Sage, which is concentrated and textured and has vibrant, racy acidity. Give bottles a year or so and enjoy over the following 4-5.
