Fogscape Vineyards Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco

Bathed in the cool coastal breezes of Monterey County, the 2023 Fogscape Vineyards Chardonnay embodies the tranquil beauty of the Arroyo Seco. This vintage is a seamless expression of place and precision, where vibrant acidity meets luxurious texture. Winemaker José Ramirez captures the purity of the fruit through careful night harvesting and gentle barrel aging, resulting in a Chardonnay that balances tropical opulence with mineral tension. Every sip tells the story of a cool, slow-ripened season that brought remarkable freshness and depth to this elegant California white.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: José Ramirez
• Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Suter, Twin Oaks, and Zanetta (Arroyo Seco, Monterey County)
• Clones: Dijon 4, 5, 76, 95, 96
• ABV: 14.1%
• TA: 6.5 g/L
• pH: 3.4
• RS: 0.3 g/L
• Aging: 11 months in 62% new and 38% seasoned American and French oak barrels, on lees with regular stirring
• Farming Practices: Sustainable

Sensory Description:

The 2023 Fogscape Chardonnay opens with inviting aromas of crème brûlée, pineapple, mango, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it reveals layers of vanilla, toasted oak, and ripe tropical fruit, enveloped in a creamy, full-bodied texture. A touch of buttered toast lingers alongside notes of fresh lime and tangerine, leading to a bright, enduring finish that balances opulence with freshness.

Awards & Accolades:

• 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast (Matt Kettmann, August 2025): “Tart apple and lime-skin aromas pick up the warmth of honeysuckle on the nose of this wine. There’s a stony grip to the palate, with brisk but bold lime and tangerine flavors.”

Winemaker's Background:

Fogscape Vineyards is rooted in the rugged beauty of Monterey County, where fog-cooled mornings and sun-drenched afternoons shape wines of nuance and depth. Under the guidance of winemaker José Ramirez and vineyard director Roger Moitoso, the estate champions a vineyard-driven philosophy, combining precision farming with sustainable practices to express the individuality of each site. Ramirez’s hands-on approach and passion for balance define Fogscape’s signature style: wines that unite freshness, complexity, and a true sense of place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled, around 50–55°F, to allow the wine’s texture and complexity to shine. Perfect with butter-poached lobster, roast chicken, or grilled vegetables drizzled with lemon butter.

The 2023 Fogscape Vineyards Chardonnay is a masterclass in restraint and richness, a cool-climate expression that celebrates both the land and the craftsmanship behind every pour.