

Major-General Sir William Biddles Curran
It would be the Clavoillon that isn’t poxed.Flowers Vineyards & Winery – Chardonnay – 2022
Sonoma Coast AVA – Sonoma County, California 🇺🇸
Overview
A pure expression of the broader Sonoma Coast AVA, this Chardonnay blends fruit from multiple coastal sites to deliver Flowers’ signature style: bright, fresh, and mineral-driven. Less oak-forward and less textural tension than their single-vineyard bottlings, this cuvée leans into steeliness, lift, and coastal clarity. Tropical fruit plays a leading role while creaminess takes a gentle back seat, exactly the balance that makes this wine so inviting.
Aromas & Flavors
Pineapple, Meyer lemon, green apple, and white peach, intertwined with coastal salinity, crushed shells, and light honeysuckle. Subtle hints of vanilla and toasted almond sit quietly in the background.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, clean, and vibrant. Marked by high natural acidity and a steely mineral line that keeps everything refreshing. The finish is bright and persistent, more fruit-driven than creamy.
Food Pairings
Lemon-herb chicken, grilled halibut, shrimp linguine, caprese salad, or sushi with citrus accents.
Verdict
A beautifully balanced, coastally expressive Chardonnay that prioritizes freshness over opulence. Tropical lift, minerality, and gentle oak integration make this a standout for those who prefer precision over butter.
Did You Know?
Flowers was one of the pioneers of the far Sonoma Coast, planting vineyards in the early 1990s when few believed coastal farming was viable. Their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is crafted to showcase the AVA as a whole, combining multiple sites to capture the region’s signature brightness and maritime drive. — 6 months ago
Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 7 months ago
Deep golden color with a citrus undertone and distinct minerality, if not oyster shells. Delightfully pleasant wine. — 2 years ago
Feeling Lucky?
Despite the premox issues plaguing these early 2000s Fèvres, I held on to my 3 bottles for proper aging. My bottles were going to hit their prime drinking window or die trying
DAY1
Served with the Vinloq System
Golden color. No browning
👃Honeyed pineapple, citrus, jasmine tea
👅Where r the oyster shells and minerality? Oily texture. Nice. 9.1 pts
Stored the bottle in my fridge with Vinloq Preservation
DAY8
👃Aromas change with each sniff
👅Buttery, spicy citrus. Slate minerality. Feels <17 yrs old. Complex. Finishes dry & salty. DAY8 better than DAY1
9.2pts
I am 2 for 2 with no premox! 1 bottle to go and I am feeling lucky 🍀
Full note on Instagram @ “Vinloq.notes” — 4 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Happy New Year all! 🍾🥂
This 07 outshines/performs the overall vintage.
Outstanding mousse & lively acidity. Lime zest, lemon pulp in juice, grapefruit w/ pith, orange citrus blend with peel, kiwi, tropical melons, white nectarines, excellent white spice, baguette crust, gritty white chalk, dry, crushed limestone bits, grey volcanics, oyster shells, saline/sea spray, light tones of fresh herbs, yellow lilies, spring flowers with greens, excellent acidity, well; structured, balanced, knitted, beautiful finish that is even and lands on minerality & spice. — 5 months ago