Diatom is dedicated to producing exceptional Chardonnay, focusing on purity and transparency in winemaking. Founded by Greg Brewer, the winery emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the essence of the grape. The fruit is sourced from the Mission Mills Vineyard in the Los Alamos Valley, known for its unique terroir. This commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, aiming to capture the raw, carnal state of Chardonnay.
The 2023 vintage stands out with its vibrant character and aromatic complexity. With bright notes of citrus and floral accents, this wine offers a remarkable balance of fruit intensity and energy. The meticulous winemaking process, which includes low-temperature fermentation, ensures that the wine retains its freshness and vibrancy. Each sip reveals the dedication and craftsmanship behind Diatom's offerings.
Aroma: Fresh aromas of lemon, citrus blossom, and wet sand.
Taste: Concentrated flavors of white peach, quince, and pineapple, with floral hints of orange blossoms and lemon curd.
Finish: Mouthwatering acidity complemented by crunchy sea salt minerality and a touch of lemon verbena.
94 Jeb Dunnuck Made by Greg Brewer and already bottled, the 2023 Chardonnay comes from the Mission Mills Vineyard just outside of Los Alamos. Its vivid medium gold hue is followed by a vibrant nose of salted citrus, tangerine, exotic flowers, and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, pure, rounded, and beautifully balanced, it has plenty of power and density, integrated acidity, and a great finish. This impeccably made Chardonnay should be snatched up by readers, as it competes with wines at two to three times the price.
93 Wine Spectator This stunning wine leaps out of the glass, with concentrated flavors of white peach, quince and pineapple, plus floral accents of orange blossoms and lemon curd. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality and a whiff of lemon verbena.
93 Decanter One of the region's perennial top-value Chardonnays that retains the truest sense of place. With the aroma of salty sea air and dried white flowers, winemaker Greg Brewer calls the wine ‘big and neutral, blurring the lines of expectation.’ Spicy lime flavours combined with cardamom, tingly acidity, and a dash of white pepper finish it off.
93 James Suckling An unoaked chardonnay that's full-bodied but balanced and amazingly rich in ripe fruit. Flavors of lemons, green apples, pineapple. mangoes, minerals and chalk. Harvested late in the year, fermented in steel tanks, then bottled and sold early while it's fresh and racy in texture.
