Spoken West Chardonnay 2024 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2024 Chardonnay from Spoken West reflects the diverse vineyard sources of California’s Central Coast, where maritime influence plays a defining role in shaping the wine’s freshness and balance. Fruit is typically drawn from cool to moderate climate sites where Pacific breezes, morning fog, and extended growing seasons allow Chardonnay to ripen gradually while retaining acidity.

These coastal influences create a dynamic environment—warm afternoons encourage flavor development, while cool nights preserve tension and aromatic lift. This balance is essential in crafting a Chardonnay that avoids excess richness while still achieving depth and ripeness.

The soils across these vineyard sites vary from sandy loam to clay and alluvial deposits, providing both drainage and structure. These conditions contribute to a wine that combines bright fruit expression with a subtle mineral edge. The 2024 vintage reflects a steady growing season, producing fruit with clarity, freshness, and balanced concentration.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
At Spoken West, Chardonnay is crafted in a modern California style that balances fruit purity with texture and subtle richness.

Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to capture both freshness and flavor intensity. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak vessels. This dual approach allows for the preservation of bright aromatics while introducing layers of texture and complexity.

A portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, contributing a soft, rounded mouthfeel and subtle creamy notes, while the remainder is kept in its original form to retain acidity and lift. Aging occurs on fine lees for several months, enhancing texture and integration without overwhelming the fruit.

Oak influence is present but restrained, typically using a mix of neutral and lightly toasted barrels to impart subtle notes of vanilla and spice rather than dominant wood character. Alcohol levels  fall around 14.5%, maintaining balance and approachability.

Tasting Notes
The 2024 Spoken West Chardonnay opens with a bright and inviting aromatic profile of ripe pear, golden apple, and white peach, complemented by citrus zest and hints of pineapple.

With aeration, secondary notes of vanilla, toasted almond, and a light touch of baking spice emerge, alongside a subtle floral lift. The nose balances freshness with a gentle richness.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture. Orchard fruit flavors—apple, pear, and stone fruit—are layered with hints of citrus and a touch of tropical nuance.

A delicate creaminess from partial malolactic fermentation is balanced by fresh acidity, giving the wine both richness and lift. Subtle oak adds depth without overshadowing the fruit, while a faint mineral note provides structure.

The finish is clean and balanced, with lingering fruit, soft spice, and a gentle creamy undertone. The overall impression is polished, approachable, and versatile.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a medium to large white wine glass to highlight both aromatics and texture.

This Chardonnay pairs well with a wide range of dishes thanks to its balance of freshness and subtle richness. It complements roasted chicken, turkey, or pork, where its acidity cuts through richness while its texture matches the dish.

Seafood pairings are equally successful—grilled salmon, seared scallops, or shrimp with butter and herbs highlight the wine’s balance of fruit and creaminess. It also works well with creamy pasta dishes, risotto, or vegetable-based preparations such as roasted squash or corn.

For cheese, consider soft to semi-soft styles like Brie, Camembert, or young Gouda, which echo the wine’s texture and gentle richness.

Cellaring Potential
The 2024 Spoken West Chardonnay is designed for early to mid-term enjoyment, with an optimal drinking window of 2–4 years.

While it may gain slight integration with short-term cellaring, its primary appeal lies in its fresh fruit expression and balanced texture. Over time, the wine may develop softer, more rounded characteristics, but it is best enjoyed while its brightness and vibrancy remain at their peak.