Amici Cellars
Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
There's not a lot of Chardonnay out there in my opinion that can put this one in its place. Heintz vineyard, with botrytis rot on the grapes as it arrives (by choice), and yet it turns into this incredibly floral, complex dry chardonnay. 200 case production.
There's not a lot of Chardonnay out there in my opinion that can put this one in its place. Heintz vineyard, with botrytis rot on the grapes as it arrives (by choice), and yet it turns into this incredibly floral, complex dry chardonnay. 200 case production.
Dec 11th, 2018
Wow. What a stunning Chardonnay. New world chard drinkers-grab it. If you can find it.
Wow. What a stunning Chardonnay. New world chard drinkers-grab it. If you can find it.
Jan 15th, 2018
The more I keep thinking back on this wine, the more I want to bump the score to a 9.4. Completely and happily surprised at how good this was. Heintz chards are rocketing their way up my “favorite Chardonnay vineyard” list. For comparison, this is like a cross between DuMol’s Isobel (bigger, richer, Heintz fruit and oak) and Kesner’s Heintz (lean, steely, sharp Heintz fruit).
With Heintz, it’s one of the most tropical Chardonnays...guava is something I commonly get. This also had mango and pineapple, with a hint of marzipan. The palate got bigger and more full bodied the longer it was opened and rounded out. Acidity kept things together nicely and highlighted the stone ground fruits. Fantastic Chardonnay if you enjoy Heintz!
The more I keep thinking back on this wine, the more I want to bump the score to a 9.4. Completely and happily surprised at how good this was. Heintz chards are rocketing their way up my “favorite Chardonnay vineyard” list. For comparison, this is like a cross between DuMol’s Isobel (bigger, richer, Heintz fruit and oak) and Kesner’s Heintz (lean, steely, sharp Heintz fruit).
With Heintz, it’s one of the most tropical Chardonnays...guava is something I commonly get. This also had mango and pineapple, with a hint of marzipan. The palate got bigger and more full bodied the longer it was opened and rounded out. Acidity kept things together nicely and highlighted the stone ground fruits. Fantastic Chardonnay if you enjoy Heintz!
Amici Cellars – Charles Heintz Vineyard – Chard – 2021
Sonoma Coast – Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A powerful yet finely balanced single-vineyard Chardonnay from the iconic Charles Heintz Vineyard, one of Sonoma Coast’s most respected sites. This is a serious, expressive wine that showcases richness without excess, built on precision, texture, and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Highly expressive with layered tropical fruit notes on both nose and palate. Ripe pineapple, mango, and baked pear lead, supported by subtle hints of toasted nuts and gentle spice. The fruit is generous but controlled, never tipping into heaviness.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a creamy, polished texture driven by 100% barrel fermentation, native yeast, and full malolactic fermentation. The creaminess is well-balanced by structure and weight, delivering a long, smooth, and textured finish.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken, lobster with drawn butter, seared scallops, creamy pasta dishes, or aged alpine-style cheeses.
Verdict
A show-stopping Chardonnay that delivers complexity, power, and finesse in equal measure. Bold yet composed, this is a benchmark example of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from a top-tier vineyard. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Charles Heintz Vineyard is renowned for its cool-climate influence and low-yielding vines, contributing to both concentration and natural acidity in wines sourced from the site.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is Chardonnay with presence. Rich, layered, and impeccably balanced, one of those bottles that reminds you why site and farming truly matter.
Amici Cellars – Charles Heintz Vineyard – Chard – 2021
Sonoma Coast – Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A powerful yet finely balanced single-vineyard Chardonnay from the iconic Charles Heintz Vineyard, one of Sonoma Coast’s most respected sites. This is a serious, expressive wine that showcases richness without excess, built on precision, texture, and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Highly expressive with layered tropical fruit notes on both nose and palate. Ripe pineapple, mango, and baked pear lead, supported by subtle hints of toasted nuts and gentle spice. The fruit is generous but controlled, never tipping into heaviness.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a creamy, polished texture driven by 100% barrel fermentation, native yeast, and full malolactic fermentation. The creaminess is well-balanced by structure and weight, delivering a long, smooth, and textured finish.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken, lobster with drawn butter, seared scallops, creamy pasta dishes, or aged alpine-style cheeses.
Verdict
A show-stopping Chardonnay that delivers complexity, power, and finesse in equal measure. Bold yet composed, this is a benchmark example of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from a top-tier vineyard. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Charles Heintz Vineyard is renowned for its cool-climate influence and low-yielding vines, contributing to both concentration and natural acidity in wines sourced from the site.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is Chardonnay with presence. Rich, layered, and impeccably balanced, one of those bottles that reminds you why site and farming truly matter.
Amici Cellars ‘Charles Heintz Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2014: Full-bodied. Elegant balance. Bright rich impressive flavors: Apple. Pear. Guava. Melon. Honey. Lemon zest. Soft oak with butter and a creamy, persistent finish. For me, this was an outstanding Chardonnay! Highly recommend if you are looking for a good value, age-worthy California Chardonnay. This wine will age wonderfully for many years to come. Great day to all! Cheers🍷
Amici Cellars ‘Charles Heintz Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2014: Full-bodied. Elegant balance. Bright rich impressive flavors: Apple. Pear. Guava. Melon. Honey. Lemon zest. Soft oak with butter and a creamy, persistent finish. For me, this was an outstanding Chardonnay! Highly recommend if you are looking for a good value, age-worthy California Chardonnay. This wine will age wonderfully for many years to come. Great day to all! Cheers🍷
Jan 20th, 2023
Very light and crisp. I love the fruity tones and smooth finish.
Very light and crisp. I love the fruity tones and smooth finish.
May 15th, 2021Pours medium straw color. Nose of lemon and even peach and grapefruit. Soft front, yet bright opening. Soft lemon type notes are present along with a hint of butter. Peach. Touch of pineapple. Medium is where a little bit of limestone creeps in. Finishes acidic. Even brighter finish here. This is a 14 and I think it is a bit too young. Would hold another 1 or 2 years and I think it will be doing better. Still a solid 93 and wishing I had bought more. Isn't that always how it is!
Pours medium straw color. Nose of lemon and even peach and grapefruit. Soft front, yet bright opening. Soft lemon type notes are present along with a hint of butter. Peach. Touch of pineapple. Medium is where a little bit of limestone creeps in. Finishes acidic. Even brighter finish here. This is a 14 and I think it is a bit too young. Would hold another 1 or 2 years and I think it will be doing better. Still a solid 93 and wishing I had bought more. Isn't that always how it is!
Oct 13th, 2018