2019 may stand out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather for most of the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavors without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, Pinot Noir and most Chardonnay sin the county were harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes. Overall, look for wines with slightly lower alcohol, higher but integrated acids, and a depth of flavor that you would probably have to go back several vintages to find an equal. | SensesComing from the Sonoma Coast and aged 14 months in the standard 25%-40% new French oak, the 2019 Chardonnay Charles Heintz is another juicy yet rich, powerful wine. Revealing a vivid gold hue as well as lots of honeyed citrus, white flowers, and almond paste, it has wonderful purity of fruit, bright, almost racy acidity, plenty of mid-palate flesh and depth, and a great finish. It can be enjoyed any time over the coming decade. | 96 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.comWith vineyard sites in the "Grand Cru" of California including B.A. Theriot, Charles Heintz, and Terra de Promissio, this passion project of three friends with winemaking by Thomas Rivers Brown is impressive right from the start. As long-time fans of Littorai wines, we are excited to see the expression of these sites from Senses. |Falling Bright