2019 Domaine Della - Chardonnay Sonoma Sonoma Coast

Domaine Della was founded in 2015 by David Hejl, who spent years as CEO of Kosta Browne, helping build it from a boutique label into one of California's most sought after Pinot Noir names. When he left to start his own project, he brought that same relentless attention to sourcing and detail, building relationships with a short list of the Sonoma Coast's most celebrated vineyards, including Ritchie, Soberanes, and Terra de Promissio.

This Chardonnay comes from the historic Ritchie Vineyard, planted in 1972 by Kent Ritchie with old Wente clone budwood on sandy Goldridge loam soils in the heart of the Russian River Valley, directly across the road from Kistler's famed Block 7. Only six barrels of this wine were produced, underscoring just how small and selective Domaine Della's production really is. The wine was crafted to highlight the site's natural richness rather than lean on heavy intervention.

The glass shows a pale gold hue with aromas of sun kissed lemon, acacia flowers, green apple, and butterscotch. The palate is lush and powerful, layered with citrus, vanilla, and caramel notes that carry through a long, balanced finish. It pairs beautifully with seared foie gras, a buttery lobster bisque, or aged Comté cheese.