2005 Chasseur Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Chasseur was started in 1994 when California winemaker Bill Hunter decided to make wines under his own name. He had been making wine at Bonny Doon Winery in Santa Cruz and at wineries in Napa Valley. But in 1994 he made a barrel of Chardonnay and another of Pinot Noir and named his brand Chasseur, French for hunter. Today Hunter sources grapes from Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley and elsewhere in Northern California. Chasseur’s production facility is located in Sebastopol where Hunter makes limited production Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.