The 2023 Founder’s Block reflects 100% native yeast and is unfined and unfiltered. This “hands off” approach allows the grapes and vines to shine. After 12 months in 100% new French oak, the Founder’s Block Chardonnay exhibits a creamy richness, marked by apricot, honeysuckle, and slight minerality on the long, decadent finish.
Club Members save 20% every day on wine and experiences.
The 2023 Founder's Block reflects 100% native yeast and is unfined and unfiltered. This “hands off” approach allows the grapes and vines to shine. After 12 months in 100% new French oak, the Founder's Block Chardonnay exhibits a creamy richness, marked by apricot, honeysuckle, and slight minerality on the long, decadent finish.
Origin: Sonoma
Alcohol content: 15%
Acid: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.63
Composition: 100% Chalk Hill Proprietary Clone 97 Chardonnay
Chalk Hill Estate has a long history experimenting with Chardonnay, both in the vineyard and the winery. Each Chardonnay block on the estate is planted with the ideal clone and rootstock, the result of years of learning what works best where.
Our Founder’s Block Chardonnay comes exclusively from this historic block and includes our Proprietary Chalk Hill Clone 97 Chardonnay, which was developed in partnership with UC Davis between 1996-2001. During this time, Chalk Hill conducted one of the largest and longest maintained Chardonnay clonal trials in California and in doing so cemented its legacy as a producer of luxury Chardonnays. Chalk Hill is the only vineyard to grow this clone, so it is truly a one-of-a-kind Chardonnay.
The 2023 Founder’s Block Chardonnay is the pinnacle Chardonnay in the Chalk Hill portfolio only made in truly exceptional vintages on our estate. First planted in 1974, this block was replanted in 2014 by taking bud wood from the original vines. The 2023 vintage marks the third wine made from these replanted vines; this special parcel produces extremely small yields of berries that are noteworthy for their great concentration, balance and complexity. The 2023 Founder’s Block reflects 100% native yeast and is unfined and unfiltered. This “hands off” approach allows the grapes and vines to shine. After 12 months in 100% new French oak, the Founder’s Block Chardonnay exhibits a creamy richness, marked by apricot, honeysuckle, and slight minerality on the long, decadent finish.
