Haynes Vineyard Chardonnay "Forgeron" 2020
(Coombsville, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 97] [DM 95] [VM 94]

About the Winery:
Haynes Vineyard is a single-vineyard, single-estate winery, owned by the Lawrence family - only the third family to own the vineyard, having purchased it from the Whitford/Haynes family, who bought it from Napa City founder Nathan Coombs in the late 19th century. In 1967, the Haynes family granted André Tchelistcheff permission to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, now the oldest in Napa Valley. The three expressions of Chardonnay from the site reflect its terroir, its story, and the people who define its character: what we grow – Vigneron, what we make – Forgeron, and what we love – Corazon.

About this Wine:
Old Vine Chardonnay produced from the Haynes Vineyard, planted in 1968. The vineyard site produces mineral driven wines from the coolest microclimate in the Napa Valley. Reminiscent of Burgundian style Chardonnay, the Haynes Forgeron Chardonnay is made to age for many years to come.

Technical Data:

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of dried apple, dried earth, and hints of peach and apple follow through to a medium body with firm but fine-grained texture. Drink or hold." (Feb 2023)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A mastery of reductive Chardonnay, this barrel selection comes from 1968-planted Wente Clone vines in Coombsville. Winemaker Nico Cueva, formerly of Kosta Browne, uses a whole bunch press, all native yeast fermented, with sur lie ageing in neutral 500-2000-litre casks for 22 months of elevage. Smoky grilled lemon peel, freshly chipped flint, and an impressive salty sea breeze make minerality leap from the glass. The minerality owns the front palate as smoky and briny elements stake a claim to the core of this wine. Edgy saline minerality frames smoky lemon, cardamom and white pepper; it's bright and brilliant, with clarity and thirst-slaking acidity. This Chardonnay may just last forever." - Clive Pursehouse (Jun 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Chardonnay Forgeron stands out for its aromatic lift and saline energy. The Forgeron is sourced from the original 1967 Wente clones and aged in 2000L casks. This structured, intensely mineral/savory Chardonnay is wonderfully distinctive. There is a touch of reduction, but it is not intrusive." – Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)