2023 Vivier - Chardonnay Sonoma Mtn. Van der Kamp (750ml)

2023 Vivier Chardonnay — Sonoma Mountain, Van der Kamp (750ml)

From Burgundy-trained winemaker Stephane Vivier, this rare, small-production Chardonnay embodies a terroir-first approach in Sonoma. The 750ml bottle features fruit from Van der Kamp Vineyard, a historic site perched about 1,500 feet on a north-facing bench of Sonoma Mountain, with plantings dating back to 1952. The vineyard is farmed with organic practices that prioritize biodiversity, contributing to the wine’s precise balance and expressive character.

Vivier’s Chardonnays are widely regarded as a California cousin to white Burgundy: fresh and precise, layering citrus and orchard fruit with a whisper of baking spice, all framed by a restrained, mineral finish that rewards both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

Tasting notes

Color—pale gold with bright clarity. Aromatics mingle lemon zest and white fruit with subtle notes of green apple and a touch of almond. On the palate, the wine delivers focused citrus and orchard tones, supported by bright acidity and a refined mineral backbone, with a delicate spice nuance guiding a clean, persistent finish.

Vineyard & winemaking context

Van der Kamp Vineyard sits in the Sonoma Mountain AVA and ranks among the oldest Pinot Noir properties in the state, with its current plantings dating to 1952. Although famed for Pinot Noir, the site’s terroir for Chardonnay under Vivier’s hands-off approach yields a wine of lifted acidity, crisp fruit expression, and mineral character that aligns with a white Burgundy-inspired profile.

Food pairings & serving

Best enjoyed with roast chicken, shellfish, or soft-ripened cheeses. Serve slightly cool to preserve aromatic brightness and acidity, and consider brief aeration to enhance the citrus and mineral notes. This Chardonnay is designed to be enjoyed upon release and also supports short-term cellaring for added complexity.