2014 Handley Cellars Chardonnay Estate Vineyard Anderson Valleyt

Off the Deep End in Anderson Valley

Milla Handley came to the Anderson Valley in 1978, well before Copain, Radio-Coteau, Dutton-Goldfield, and Morlet had an inkling of the region’s potential. She eventually settled on 59 acres in the “deep end” of the valley, captivated by the possibilities of uncharted winemaking territory.

Here, just 10 miles from the Pacific, maritime winds and thick fog travel inland, shrouding mornings in a hazy blanket. By midday, bright California sunshine penetrates the fog, bathing Chardonnay in light and shifting temperatures by as much as 40 degrees. The dramatic diurnal swings and naturally cool climate allow for prolonged growing seasons and the emergence of wonderfully complex flavors and buoyant freshness. Cool nights keep sugars in balance with lively acidity, while bright day-time exposure yields ripe, juicy fruit.

By 1986, Milla was ready to plant what we know now as the Handley Estate Vineyard. Thirty-one years after she broke ground in the “deep end,” no one bats an eye at the greatness of Anderson Valley Chardonnay. In 2014, one of the most even-keeled growing seasons of the past decade, Handley produced a striking estate-grown effort that exceeds its under-$20 price tag by MILES.

Vibrant yellow-green in color, the 2014 Handley Cellars Chardonnay Estate Vineyard Anderson Valley shows refreshing lemon curd, Granny Smith apple, and butter cream on the nose. A melange of citrus, nectarine, and Crenshaw melon unfolds on the entry with hints of fennel, cashew, and toast. Laser-like acidity balances the ripe fruit throughout, and into the long, creamy finish.

Reminiscent of single-cru Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran but nowhere near the price. Just $17.99/bottle — best in the USA — for sheer cool-climate captivation. 1200 bottles are up for grabs. Bargain-hunters, look out.

• ABV 13.20%
• Enjoy right away
• % Chardonnay