HeintzSonoma Coast Chardonnay
2026 SPRING RELEASE
Vineyard Profile
Located just a stone’s throw across Harrison Grade from the Estate, the Heintz Ranch is a pedigreed site with mature vines in the hills above Occidental. Planted on Goldridge sandy loam soil, the organically grown fruit is nurtured by moderately warm days and cool evenings, resulting in a richness balanced by lively acidity. The 2024 growing season followed a more traditional and classically coastal trajectory, so after hand-picking the resulting golden Heintz clusters, we chose a similarly classic oak program to allow the pedigreed fruit to shine through. Aged 16 months in barrel with one-third new, tight-grained French oak, only 100 cases were produced of this mineral-etched, cool-climate Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
The 2024 Heintz Chardonnay opens with coastal-leaning aromatics, led by fresh citrus zest, white florals, ripe star fruit, and a faint suggestion of chamomile. The palate is similarly sleek and tensile, echoing the bouquet while introducing a hint of tropical papaya and a whisper of vanilla. A flinty minerality lends definition and drive, guiding the wine toward a long, pithy finish marked by saline energy and a refined composure suited to graceful aging.
Cellar Notes
- Grower:
Charles Heintz - Appellation:
Sonoma Coast - Geographic Location:
Occidental - Varietal:
Chardonnay - Selection:
Clone 4 - Vineyard Age:
Planted in 1982 - Soil Type:
Goldridge - Harvest Date:
September 10th - Unfined
& Unfiltered - Growing Season
2024
Wine Reviews
“The 2024 Chardonnay Heintz takes all the Heintz signatures and amplifies them. Rich yellow orchard fruit, chalk, sage, mint and dried herbs make a strong first impression. Bold and effusive, with tons of energy, the Heintz is shaping up beautifully. This is so vivid in the glass.”
–Antonio Galloni