Father John Mesnil Sur Blanc Cuvee 44 Mendocino Chardonnay 2023

White flowers and mineral on the nose. Apple and citrus fruit on the palate. No oak influence, yet a very structured wine with a lot of tension. Upon opening, more complexity is revealed. An amazing example of Chardonnay reminiscent of the top crus of Chablis.

Mesnil sur Blanc Chardonnay is a complex blend of multiple vineyards from Mendocino and Sonoma county, the majority coming from Mendocino. 100% direct-pressed, fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aged 12 months on the lees in French oak barrels and stainless steel drums at approximately 50% of each. The wine was filtered but not fined and it is low in alcohol at 12.5%.

Father John Wines is dedicated to the late Reverend John Weaver, a renowned Episcopalian priest. Nicholas Maloney, a Sonoma native and John's grandson, operates Father John Wines. While living in Beaune, France, he studied at the world-renown Lycée Viticole. Maloney started making a Chardonnay from a single parcel, "Les Larrets Blancs," not far from Corton-Charlemagne and makes wines in some of the top crus of Chablis.

In California, in addition to his Estate Vineyard in Russian River Valley, Maloney has gained a reputation for vineyards in Mendocino County with the flagship vineyard in Comptche. For the Mesnil sur Blanc, he makes California Chardonnay that is inspired by the wines of Chablis & Corton-Charlemagne.