2023 My Sister Charlie Chardonnay
94 pts, International Wine Report | 93 pts, James Suckling | 92 pts, The Wine Independent
2023 MY SISTER CHARLIE CHARDONNAY
Sitting on the Russian River Valley side of Bell Mountain, our Chardonnay vines are a mix of Old Wente and See’s clones that give us tremendous flexibility in the cellar. We select the best barrels to go into our signature Chardonnay. Starting with the 2020 vintage, we’ve renamed the wine to incorporate the next generation into our story. When Chris and Bradley’s middle son would play at Bell Mountain, he wished he had a sister to be his ally in a house full of boys. Since none existed, he made one up and referred to his imaginary playmate as “My Sister Charlie”. Playing among the vines allowed him to showcase his ingenuity and spirit of adventure, the values on which Medlock Ames is founded.
The 2023 My Sister Charlie Chardonnay opens with a refreshing burst of green apple, white peach, and lemon, alongside delicate notes of chamomile and toasted almond. A hint of light vanilla and cream adds richness, while bright acidity lifts the wine, bringing focus and freshness. As the wine unfolds, flavors of baking apple emerge, carrying through to the finish with hints of lemon, lime, vanilla, and a touch of floral confectioner’s sugar. It’s a delicious balance of light, refreshing qualities with a complexity that lingers.
Food Pairing: Pair with fresh seafood like grilled shrimp, roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, or a creamy goat cheese salad. For dessert, try it with lemon meringue pie or a light fruit tart.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage was exceptional in so many ways and is expected to stand out as one of the finest. Beginning with a much-needed abundance of rainfall, a welcome relief after three years of intense drought, the vineyards came back to life with vibrant soil and canopies. A cool spring and summer allowed for a prolonged and gradual ripening period, resulting in exceptional phenolic ripeness and abundant flavors without excessively high sugar levels. Harvest kicked off later than usual, progressing at a steady pace that required lots of patience. This promises to be a vintage worth remembering and one that will let Bell Mountain truly express itself and we can't wait to savor the fruits of this extraordinary season.