2013 Wind Gap James Berry Vineyard Chardonnay

Wind Gap is the latest enterprise of winemaker Pax Mahle and his wife Pamela. The pair were previously part owners of the Sonoma Winery Pax Wine Cellars, but after a falling out with the majority owner, the couple left and started Wind Gap in 2006. The couple sources their grapes from Napa Valley, the Sonoma coast and Paso Robles. Their aim, they say, is to make "honest, authentic and compelling wines from special vineyard sites." While at Pax Wine Cellars, Pax Mahle was considered an up-and-coming maker of artisanal wines. At Wind Gap Mahle continues his enthusiasm for French influenced winemaking and the occasional foray into off-beat varietals, such as Trousseau Gris, a white wine grape grown primarily in France’s Jura region and more recently in select California vineyards. Wind Gap also makes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Grenache, all of which earn compliments from reviewers. Wine Advocate has written that Wind Gap wines “are some of the most gorgeous, nuanced wines being made in California today…. (the) wines achieve that elusive balanced of depth without excess heaviness.”

Paso Robles AVA is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and it is considered one of the West Coast’s most exciting winemaking regions. With its hot, sometimes searingly dry and sunny weather, it is especially good country for growing warm climate grapes such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Because many Paso Robles wineries have been successful with blending these grapes into Rhone Valley-style wines, it is known as the Rhone zone of California. The AVA was created in 1983 and there are 32,000 vineyard acres. In late 2014 the AVA was divided into 11 smaller sub-appellations, so starting with 2015 vintages labeling will become more specific on Paso Robles wines, which will now also list sub-appellations. Located in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles, the town and its surrounding area, was traditionally a farming and ranching region. But from a few dozen wineries in the early 1990s to more than 200 today, the area is quickly becoming known for wine and risk-taking winemakers.

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.