2016 Amista Winery Morningsong Vineyards Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley Sonoma 750 ml

We’ve been fans of Amista’s singular wines since 2011, when Wine Access members snapped up our first release of Mike and Vicky Farrow’s golden Chardonnay. But small production and high demand from their rabid mailing list mean we rarely have the chance to share their tiny-production bottles. 

When we do, they disappear and elicit 5-star member raves. With tasting rooms all but closed this year, today is a rare opportunity so snap up this 2016—a jewel from one of California’s top vintages in recent memory. $38 at the winery, just $22 for Wine Access members. 

Dry Creek Valley is best known for its old-vine Zinfandel, a variety that thrives in hot, arid conditions. But a small piece of the AVA that presses right up against the creek enjoys growing seasons far more reminiscent of the neighboring Russian River Valley. Particularly in the coolest summers, Dry Creek’s award-winning vineyards give Russian River a run for its money. 

Planted in the central part of the valley on the floor of a basin, Mike and Vicky Farrow’s 20-acre Morningsong Vineyard sits on a rugged mix of gravel and alluvial soils a stone’s throw from Dry Creek. From April to early October, the vines are shrouded in fog as thick as pea soup at daybreak. In early spring, that smokey blanket protects Morningsong’s Dijon clone clusters from frost after budbreak. Then, during the summer months, the combination of the morning fog and refreshing nighttime breezes gusting through the valley from the surrounding hills elongates the growing season—making for a unique microclimate that mimics the warmer perches on the banks of Russian River. 

One sip in and it's easy to see why this wine has become a darling of the local scene. Made from 100% hand-harvested Chardonnay aged in neutral oak, the ‘16 epitomizes balance while allowing the Morningsong Vineyard terroir to shine with notes of white peach, pineapple, and golden apple. Smooth and supple on the palate as a result of full malolactic fermentation, Amista has the classic buttery edge of fine California Chardonnay, yet bright acidity keeps every sip beautifully balanced. 

Brilliant golden to the rim, infused with mouthwatering aromas of ripe apple, pear, and honeysuckle. Rich and surprisingly weighty given the cold vintage, the attack is lush, juicy, and dense, packed with apple-honey concentration, all the Dry Creek opulence buttressed by bracing vibrancy and persistence.

Typically, you have to stop at the winery to pick up a bottle, but today isn’t a typical day.