Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 to Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The vineyard sits on 65 acres of sloping benchland in the Santa Rosa Plain, in between the warmer Westside Road region and the cooler Green Valley, where
warm summer days are moderated by cool breezes and chilly evening temperatures. The combination of low temperatures, regular fog intrusion, and well-drained loam, clay soils create an excellent environment for growing Chardonnay that develop cool-climate characteristics and impeccable acid at low sugars. The wines from this vineyard simultaneously express power and finesse, and they do so with tremendous balance.
Fresh apricot, tangerine and lemon zest come together in a layered, expressive aromatic profile, accented by notes of unripe peach, honeysuckle, and a hint of pie crust. On the palate, creamy textures and citrus-driven flavors unfold with a sense of ease and lift. Beautifully balanced, it’s a wine that doesn’t tip too far in any direction, and that’s exactly the point.
91 Wine Enthusiast The nose of this Chardonnay hits with aromas of tart citrus, green apple, white flowers, and a charge of flint. The palate possesses nervy acidity and pithy texture, with flavors of Bosc pear, cinnamon, lemon blossoms, and stemmy herb mélange through the finale. A little time in the cellar will soften this out nicely.
91 JebDunnuck.com The 2023 Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard is a bright straw/yellow color and is attractive with subtle layers of lemon balm, light musky herbs, white peach, almond, and toast. Full-bodied, with driving verticality from acidity, a silky texture, and salty savory accents, drink it 2026-2036. Both bottles of the 2023s from Gary Farrell were more subdued and retasted at Sonoma County Vintners. This could potentially merit a higher score, though the herbal edge gives me slight pause despite loving the palate energy and complexity.
