- 2020 Kutch Chardonnay Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (7/17/2025)
I took my first sip and immediately thought “wow, this reminds me of the Ramey Fort Ross Seaview Chardonnay.” An hour and a half later I am still thinking the same thing. There’s that same brightness, same ultra crisp fruit, and same light hint of spice. It’s uncanny. I need to do a side-by-side with my last bottle!
5 Likes
I opened the 2017 Sonoma Coast tonight, which came with more finesse than fireworks. Some fruit, maybe more pear than citrus, ample but not overwhelming acidity, very much like a 1er Cru Chablis. It was not quite as compelling as the 2014 we opened last week.
2 Likes
Essentially all of Jamie’s Chardonnays are very, very good. And they are seriously great value at their price point.
6 Likes
The 2014 is an awesome wine
4 Likes
His chardonnays are all excellent, especially the Salt Point and Trout Gulch vineyard bottling. But the 2014, his first one, was an all-time great.
4 Likes
Indeed it has been. Thanks for your expressive note on the SC, David.
My notes from the event at Frank’s back in March–I have one left:
2014 Kutch Santa Cruz Chard.
Still such a substantial lacing of mineral in the nose, plus a little salt. Lemoncurd and even a bit of truffle scents. Mmmm. Such focus. Acidity is so pristine. Mineral with more lemon and bits of lime. Honestly? Blind I might be in Pucelles or Chevy. I brought this and, of the 8 or so I’ve had, I think this is the best of them all. And that’s saying something. Truly shudderlicious and WOTD
4 Likes
I’m in that spot of having one left and probably risking holding it too long. If only it were possible to get more of them.
1 Like
I had a 2015 on a short list to open last weekend, but ended up putting it back in the cellar. There are a # of well-respected Chard producers that people here within the forum enjoy. With Jamie, he IS my Chard producer that falls into what I look for. The wines are great, yet you need to like spice, acid–mainly the savory citrus, green apple, wet stone and minimal oak (more shows when young, but he is consistent with around 20% new). There are nuances, of course, with orange citrus, light imprint of vanilla, etc but the core is often (for me) how I just described it.
4 Likes