Decoy California Chardonnay 2021

The portfolio of grape varieties used in Sonoma County barely deviates from that used in California as a whole. Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably the dominant red variety, while an occasional patch of Cabernet Franc is also to be found on the county's cooler mountainside sites.

The cabernets' Bordeaux stablemate Merlot remains significant, even if plantings are far from what they were in the 1980s and 1990s. The United States' icon red wine grape Zinfandel is planted in Sonoma's warmer, drier spots, while Chardonnay and Pinot Noir take advantage of cooler mesoclimates.

Sauvignon Blanc provides a lighter, more refreshing alternative to Chardonnay and, although far from prolific, Rhône valley stalwarts Syrah and Viognier are steadily gaining vineyard acreage.

Despite its global success, Chardonnay as a grape is relatively neutral and it is not considered an aromatic variety. Indeed, it is often dubbed "the winemaker's grape", for it is in the winery that many of its defining characters are amplified or reduced. Made in a variety of styles, Chardonnay wines can show fruit notes that run from citrusy and mineral to exotic and toasty.

At its most basic, Chardonnay produces wines of a light golden hue, with notes of citrus, green apple, blossom and almonds or oatmeal. On the palate, Chardonnay has moderate acidity and moderate alcohol with a medium body. Climate, as well as viticulture and winemaking, play a major role in the aromas and flavors of the resulting wine.

Tasting note: "An overall balanced Chardonnay with simple notes of overripe green apple, pear, mango and banana, cinnamon, clove and toasted wood. A phenolic grip adds a bitter edginess."