Far Mountain
Bresa Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Valley
Far Mountain Bresa Chardonnay is a white of substance, grown from the oldest block of Bald Mountain Vineyard, planted in 1972 with Wente clones on fractured volcanic rock. This single-parcel, dry-farmed site yields just one barrel, producing a wine of depth, tension, and dazzling clarity. Far Mountain is rooted in the belief that the most profound wines come from remote mountain sites in Sonoma. Their growers have taken decades of risk, and the winery channels that drama into wines of energy, texture, and endless fascination.
VINEYARD
Bresa is a true reflection of its terroir. Bald Mountain is one of the few dry-farmed Chardonnay vineyards in California, planted in 1972 at an elevation of 1,800 feet—the vineyard’s highest point—on St. George rootstock. The combination of elevation, vine age, and rocky terrain causes the vines to ripen slowly, while the concave shape of the land helps retain winter water, ensuring enough reserves to sustain the vines through the summer.
WINEMAKING
Harvest timing is determined by flavor development, as the old vines ripen at lower brix levels due to their slow metabolism. The grapes are picked at night in half-ton bins and immediately whole-cluster pressed upon arrival at the winery. The fresh juice settles for 36 hours before being racked from the heavy solids into barrels to begin fermentation.
VINTAGE
The growing season began with limited winter rainfall, followed by a gradual transition into spring with increasing warmth. As the season progressed into early summer, the dry winter caused the grasses to yellow early, while the vines lignified, accelerating ripening. Although yields were lower than average, the resulting fruit showed exceptional concentration and intensity. The mature, well-adapted vines flourished despite the climatic challenges, producing grapes with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors during the early harvest.
TASTING NOTE
Citrus and stone fruit on the nose, accented by a hint of flint, which adds a sense of richness and depth. On the palate, the wine is consistent from start to finish, with bright acidity balancing its density and freshness.
Color
White
Blend %
100% Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Valley
Alcohol
13.5%
Trade Materials
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