Chardonnay

Château St. Jean's Sonoma County Chardonnay originates from the cool benchland sites of Sonoma Coast, where marine influence moderates ripening and preserves natural acidity. The vineyard terrain—volcanic and alluvial soils at moderate elevation—yields fruit with mineral tension characteristic of the region's diurnal temperature swing.

Production employs barrel fermentation in French oak, with extended sur lie aging that builds textural complexity through yeast autolysis. This technique—standard in Burgundian practice but selectively applied in Sonoma—creates a wine with layered mouthfeel rather than simple fruit expression. The winemaking philosophy favors restraint: partial malolactic conversion preserves acidity structure while softening sharp edges.

The result is a medium-bodied expression balancing stone fruit and citrus aromatics with subtle oak integration and a saline mineral finish. Drinking window: current release through 5 years, with peak integration at 2–3 years.