The Withers Winery, Chardonnay, Peters Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California 2021

The Withers Winery's Peters Vineyard Chardonnay is a beautiful Chablis- and Puligny Montrachet-inspired Chardonnay that reveals its citrus, saline and mineral laden aromatic and flavor profile from the moment the wine hits the glass. It has penetrating flavors and acidity and is the perfect food pairing wine due to its strong backbone. This organic wine will develop for years to come — but is irresistible now.

Peters Vineyard, planted between 1991 and 1996 on land previously home to an apple orchard, is located just southwest of Sebastopol, not far from the Pacific. Morning fog and ocean breezes through the Petaluma Gap contribute significantly to the character of the fruit.

The grapes were hand harvested in the cool Petaluma Gap evenings and then placed in neutral 7-10 year old French barrels immediately after pressing. The wine fermented with ambient yeasts at very cool temperatures and was aged sur lie, without stirring, for 12 months in barrel. Malolactic fermentation was suspended at 30% to preserve freshness and acidity.

Founded by Andrew Tow in 2013, The Withers Winery produces eight wines of style and distinction, divided equally geographically with four wines originating in cool climate Sonoma and Mendocino County coastal vineyards and four originating in cool climate vineyards in El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills. David Low is The Withers Winery winemaker; he and Andrew work with top growers, all committed to sustainable farming practices and dry farming wherever possible. Minimal intervention in the vineyards and cellars allows a sense of place for each wine, an important focus for each vintage. In the cellar, use of 5-15 year old neutral French oak barrels for fermentation and aging is in line with that philosophy.

Withers Winery is one of only two wineries in the world who are certified as B Corporations with a core mission of giving back to the community philanthropically and championing environmental and sustainable business practices.