Sarah's Vineyard Cuvée Estate Chardonnay Dwarf Oak Vineyard 2014 is a notable expression of Californian craftsmanship. Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes selected from the Dwarf Oak Vineyard, this wine typifies a classic, cool-climate American Chardonnay. The 2014 vintage benefited from favorable weather, allowing for slow and balanced ripening. Careful vinification, possibly with some use of French oak barrels, lends the wine an elegant structure, with layered notes of ripe orchard fruit—think golden apple, pear, and white peach—underpinned by a gentle creaminess and subtle hints of toasted vanilla. A crisp acidity gives it verve, while the mineral nuances speak to the vineyard's terroir.
Santa Clara Valley, the region of origin, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with foggy mornings and warm, sun-drenched afternoons that ensure grapes reach optimal maturity while preserving delicate aromas and acidity. The varied soils, predominantly alluvial with gravel and loam, contribute complexity and finesse, especially to Chardonnay. As one of California’s oldest winegrowing regions, Santa Clara Valley boasts a storied history, once renowned for its vast vineyards before the rise of Napa and Sonoma. Today, boutique wineries like Sarah’s Vineyard are reclaiming the valley’s reputation for quality, combining tradition with innovation.
Given its refined profile, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a classic match, enjoy it with seared scallops in a lemon-butter sauce or grilled lobster. The wine’s creamy texture and subtle oak make it ideal for roast chicken with herbs or a rich butternut squash risotto. For a regional touch, try it with Dungeness crab cakes or fresh California sushi, letting the wine’s acidity cut through the richness of the food.
To appreciate all of its nuances, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10 and 12°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up and reveal its layered bouquet—this is a Chardonnay to savor both on its own and alongside thoughtful cuisine.
