Lioco Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California

Fresh and precise, the 2023 Lioco Chardonnay from Sonoma County captures the cool-climate vibrancy and mineral finesse that have made this bottling a benchmark of modern California Chardonnay. With its bright aromatics, Chablis-like tension, and ocean-influenced freshness, this wine is a lively expression of the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast corridor.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Burnside, Occidental, Piner, Hall Road, Lawson
• Clones: Clone 4, Heritage Wente, Clone 96, Clone 95
• ABV: 12.5%
• Harvest Dates: October 4–20, 2023
• Vinification: Hand-harvested, destemmed, and foot tread before pressing. Fermented and aged 100% in stainless steel tanks (no battonage), with six months aging before bottling.
• Winemaker: Drew Huffine
• Owners: Matt & Sara Licklider
• Production: 6,300 cases

Sensory Description:

Pale straw with a glint of green, this Chardonnay opens with aromas of lemon blossom, orchard fruit, and crushed stone. The palate is mouthwatering and tense, delivering flavors of pomelo, white tea, and saline minerality. Crisp acidity and a linear structure carry through to a clean, lingering finish that showcases its cool-climate origins.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded by Matt and Sara Licklider, Lioco was created to craft wines of balance and purity that reflect California’s diverse terroirs through minimal intervention. With Drew Huffine as winemaker, the estate emphasizes fruit from sustainably farmed vineyards and cold-climate sites, producing wines that lean toward tension, nuance, and precision. Lioco has become a leader in reimagining California Chardonnay in a fresher, more terroir-driven style.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 50–54 °F. This Chardonnay is a versatile partner for seafood classics such as fish & chips, fresh oysters, or shrimp scampi. Its crisp edge also makes it a delightful companion to light vegetarian fare or as an aperitif.

The 2023 Lioco Chardonnay is a brilliant, mineral-driven expression of Sonoma County, combining purity, freshness, and complexity in a way that will please both classicists and modern palates alike.