2012 Maybach Eterium Chardonnay

Maybach Family Vineyards in Oakville is named after the family’s early 20th century patriarch, Wilhelm Maybach, a German inventor who, with his business partner Gottleib Daimler, designed and built the first Mercedes automobiles. Maybach was inducted into Detroit’s Automotive Hall of Fame in 1996. Now some of his descendants are making a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from a hillside vineyard above the Silverado Trail. Called Materium, the 100% Cab has earned praise from Robert M. Parker Jr., among others, who calls it “serious wine.” Fewer than 500 cases are produced annually. Thomas Brown is winemaker at Maybach. The estate also makes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay with a Burgundian style, and Pinot Noir.

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.