Far Mountain
Myrna Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma Valley
Myrna is a dry-farmed Chardonnay from two extreme mountain and hillside vineyard sites, reflecting a focused intensity of fruit and texture. The name Myrna, meaning “beloved,” is a tribute to the exceptional qualities of Chardonnay that captures intense minerality, texture, and a broad spectrum of flavors. Grown in the rugged terrain of the Mayacamas mountains, the vineyard’s remote location offers a breathtaking setting, with steep roads winding through towering redwoods to reach the high elevation of Bald Mountain. Here, Myrna expresses a rare purity and precision, making it a beloved reflection of its extraordinary terroir.
VINEYARD
Planted in 1972, Bald Mountain vineyard is remarkable. In a cool bowl at the bottom of the site we found exactly what we were looking for in Chardonnay plantings. The vineyard is planted to heritage California clones that we believe thrive in poor soils, and develop a true depth of texture and flavor. Vines grow on pure fractured and tectonic rock, which is truly a dramatic sight. This mountain factor is very present in the finish of the wine, its chalkiness, salinity and minerality translating in a bright and genuine way.
WINEMAKING
Whole cluster pressed at fractional pressures, the must is collected separately and settled for 24 to 36 hours, allowing oxidation-prone elements to drop out before the wine goes directly to barrel. 18% new oak, with 1-4 year old barrels comprising the remainder, and lees contact throughout with stirring tapering to once monthly. 30% malolactic fermentation. At 11 months aging, new oak, and a restrained malo rate, the philosophy is consistent: over-influencing the wine in any dimension detracts from its inherent character.
VINTAGE
The 2023 Moon Mountain vintage stands out due to consistent, mild weather and above-average yields, resulting in wines of exceptional density, concentration, and structure. The region's low-yielding vines, producing at half the level of Sonoma County’s average, benefit from extended hang time due to later bud break and harvest. The challenging soils and elevations stress the vines, producing fruit with intense flavors and a high skin-to-fruit ratio. The result is wines with powerful tannins, balanced acidity, and impressive aging potential.
TASTING NOTE
The wine opens with lifted aromatics and stone fruit combines with lime characters. On the palate, layers of texture and energy and supported by the bright acidity and salinity, signature of this wine.
Color
White
Blend %
100% Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Valley
Alcohol
14%
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast - June 28, 2026 "This gorgeous Chardonnay delivers a focused nose of fresh lemon, apple, chalky minerality, candied ginger, flowers, and cinnamon on the nose. The palate brings gobs of concentrated flavors of nectarine, pineapple, lemon balm, pineapple sage, citrus blossom, shattered stone, and chopped herb mélange throughout a long, meandering finish with echoes of spice and floral potpourri. Editor's Choice."
James Suckling - December 10, 2025 "Preserved lemons, lanolin, crushed stones, dried mangoes and citrus blossoms on the nose. The palate is silken and textural, with bright acidity and a mouthwatering mineral edge. A very complete chardonnay with partial malolactic to soften the cool vintage and bring it into harmony. Very good."
Wine Spectator - April 15, 2026 "This is lovely, with notes of beeswax and litsea oil giving way to grilled Meyer lemon, pear and apricot flavors. Offers wildflower honey, white peach and star anise accents, with white pepper and lemongrass details emerging. Sleek, fresh acidity keeps all of the flavors in focus."
Vinous - February 1, 2026 "The 2023 Chardonnay Myrna is brisk, airy and finely cut. Lemon peel, chalk, mint, lime, sage and white pepper all grace this airy, nervy Chardonnay from Far Mountain. Drink it over the next handful of years."
Trade Materials
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