Charles Ranch vineyard hovers above 1,200 feet of elevation within 2 miles of the cool coast in Fort Ross-Seaview. Firmly rooted in rocky, well-drained soils, these vines, planted nearly forty years ago, are some of the oldest pre-phylloxera plantings of chardonnay in California, yielding naturally shy crops.

The wine opens with a floral display of cool elderflower, citrus blossom and honey suckle, followed by crunchy white nectarine, wild peaches and delicate notes of wet rock and oyster shells. On the palate, just-ripe white peaches and lychee fruit are delicately expressed with lemon cream and beeswax, giving way to crushed gravel and lemon zest. The vibrant acidity gives the wine lift, elegance and length, showing it will only get better with age.