2020 Fogstone Vineyard Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Aromas of brioche, ripe apple, papaya, and grapefruit start off this multi-clonal Chardonnay from Fogstone vineyard. With air, additional notes of honey, kiwi, coconut, and caramel unite and flow right into the balanced flavor profile. Acidity is fresh and brisk, yet there is ample richness to balance this wine. This Chardonnay finishes with an enveloping and persistent path. Enjoy now through 2029.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
September 2022
Not yet reviewed.
Production Data
Growers: Carol & Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 250 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Rocky, well-draining loam soils
Vineyard Age: 27 years
Viticulture Practice: Farmed Organic
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 21 months in 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 20 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (30% Clone 95, 35% Hudson Clone, 5% Hyde Clone, 10% Clone 15, 20% Clone 76)
Acidity: 3.44 pH, 6.14 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 5, 2020
Club Release: September 2022
Release Price: $53
Drink Now Through 2029
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“With a citrus and orchard fruit character similar to the Cortada Alta Chardonnay, the Fogstone Vineyard is infused with minerals from the nose to the precise, lingering finish of stony extract. The palate is dry but dense and beautifully balanced. Spends 18.5 months in 53% new French oak.”
International Wine Review
October 2021
“Light, bright yellow. Fresh tangerine, pear and honeydew aromas show fine definition and an energizing hint of chalky minerality. Fleshy and energetic on the palate, displaying nervy lift to the juicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Finishes sappy, focused and quite long, with a building floral nuance and an echo of juicy citrus fruits.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
October 2020
“Pale vivid gold. Poached pear, tangerine, honey and jasmine aromas are accompanied by a suggestion of toasty lees. Smooth in texture and subtly sweet, offering juicy orchard and pit fruit and vanilla flavors firmed by a suggestion of bitter citrus pith. The smoky note recurs on a supple, ginger-accented finish that hangs on with impressive tenacity.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni Vinous
November 2019
“Juicy and crisp with racy acidity; silky and bright with tangy style and smooth texture”.
Anthony Dias Blue
June 2018
“Spectacular, marine influenced Chardonnay with a compelling sugar-acid balance. It presents optimally ripened fruit on a suave palate with underlying juicy lemony acidity. East facing and located at the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands at 250-400′ this is an especially cool vineyard site, one of the first to be hit by the cool fog coming in from the Monterey Bay. ”
International Wine Review
October 2017
“The Chardonnay Fogstone Vineyard offers lovely perfumy aromas of stone fruit with a hint of oak on the nose. On the palate it has a soft texture with good balance and acidity and a persistent finish.”
International Wine Review
“This deep and expressive Chardonnay places a premium upon richness but it does so with a great sense of balance and proportion all the same. It is arguably the most complex of the fine Testarossa lot, and a wealth of wonderfully well-formed, ripe apple fruit sits solidly beneath its layers of toast, sweet spice and cream. It is quite full in body yet never comes close to dragging its feet, and it will make splendid drinking with the likes of lobster, salmon in sauce or any dish that cries out for a white wine of substance and style.”
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine
July 2015
“Editor’s Choice – With a nose approaching butterscotch but expertly cut with acidity and cinnamon spice, this is the best Testarossa single-vineyard Chardonnay of 2012. On the palate, there are lovely flavors of salted caramel and yellow peach, and the wine manages to be simultaneously spicy, sharp and smooth. The finish lingers extra long.”
Wine Enthusiast
“Mouthwatering acidity brightens and balances the intensely ripe pineapple jam, Key lime pie and Meyer lemon sweetness of this Chardonnay. Oak plays a prominent part, providing sweet, buttered toast notes. The wine shows the Testarossa style of balancing power and elegance seamlessly.”
Wine Enthusiast
The Fogstone Vineyard
Fogstone Vineyard is owned by Carol & Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti and is one of the northernmost estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is on an east facing slope that rises from 200 feet to 500 feet as you go up the bench.
Originally planted in 1993 through 1997, Fogstone has thirty-five acres of Pinot Noir, utilizing seven different clones. It has thirty-six acres of Chardonnay consisting of 6 different clones. All seventy-one acres of Fogstone Vineyard are designated for Testarossa, making it one of our few Monopole wines. The property’s close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool climate, with one of California’s longest growing seasons. The resulting slow, gentle ripening allows for full flavor development on the vine. Fogstone is one of Testarossa’s most innovative vineyard partners; Winemaker Bill Brosseau works very closely with the vineyard manager and directly oversees growing decisions.
Past Vintages
Wine Production Data
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Nice aromas of ripe kiwi, butterscotch, passionfruit, mango are followed by peach and apple notes. Upon taste, these qualities persist and are paired with grapefruit and oak spice. Brisk acidity and vibrant texture give way to a fresh and enchanting finish. Enjoy this Chardonnay through 2030.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
August 2021
Production Data
Growers: Carol & Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 250 – 400 feet; East
Soil: Rocky, well-draining loam soils
Vineyard Age: 26 years
Viticulture Practice: Farmed Organic
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 18.5 months in 100% French Oak, 53% new
Production: 19 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: 21% Clone 76, 47% Clone 15, 11% Hudson Clone, 5% Hyde Clone, 16% Clone 95
Acidity: 3.32 pH, 7.12 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October 11, 2019
Club Release: September 2021
Drink Now Through 2030
Tasting Notes
“Pale straw hue. Engaging scents of brioche, honeydew, lemon custard, and melon which are followed up by subtle notes of passionfruit, ripe fig, and nectarine. These enjoyable qualities persist in the palate and are framed by a bright, focused, and decadent experience. This multi-clonal blend of Chardonnay exhibits incredible concentration and ultimate hedonisim. Enjoy now through 2028.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Carol & Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 16 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 50% new
Production: 19 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 3.28 pH, 7.25 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 2018
Club Release: May 4, 2020
Drink Now Through 2028
Tasting Notes
“Medium straw hue. With this Chardonnay, there are engaging scents of ripe fig, caramel, apricot, banana followed by subtle notes of pear and apple. These attributes persist on the palate and are infused with hints of brioche and honey. While the aromas and flavors are generous and rich, the texture remains brisk and vibrant. This wine finishes with a long, intricate, and mineral-laden spirit. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 16 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 25% new
Production: 27 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 6.36g/L – 3.36 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 2017
Club Release: May, 2019
Drink Now Through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Brilliant yellow profile. Vibrant notes of mango, caramel, grapefruit, and lemon-zest, followed by subtle elements of brioche, honey, marmalade, and apricot pie. This complex and engaging aroma profile is equal and enticing on the palate. Lively acidity, characteristic of the cooler, northern end of this wine growing region and paired with light touch of French oak spice leads to a very intricate and exciting textural balance. While this wine is very youthful now, it will continue to unravel and please for many years to come. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 16 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 31% new
Production: 36 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.9g/L – 3.23 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 2016
Club Release: May 30, 2018
Drink Now Through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Medium Straw hue. Brilliant scents of lemon, orange, brioche, followed by more subtle notes of kiwi, apple, fig, molasses, vanilla bean, and grapefruit. This complex aroma profile is matched by equally exciting flavor characters along with the careful blending of French oak in the background. There is exceptional purity, elegance, and sophistication on the palate. With bright acidity and youthful textures, this Chardonnay should last for many years to come. Enjoy now through 2027.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 40% new
Production: 21 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.2 g/L – 3.31 pH
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: September 8, 2015
Club Release: September 8, 2015
Drink Now through 2027
Tasting Notes
“Bright straw hue. Ripe fig, orange, cloves, and brioche notes leap out of this wine and are matched by elements of honey, banana, ripe apricot, and peach. Flavors of honey, grapefruit, and brioche are infused seamlessly by layers of apricot, fig, peach, and cloves. With careful use of French oak, this wine exhibits wonderful concentration and depth of character, while tamed by vibrant acidity. This Chardonnay finishes smooth, focused, and persistent. Enjoy now through 2026.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 12 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 23% new
Production: 32 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 5.78 g/L – 3.3 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: October 15, 2014
Club Release: May 17, 2016
Drink Now through 2026
Tasting Notes
“Pale yellow hue. Generous scents of ripe fig, honey, and butterscotch release initially from this Chardonnay. After further aeration, notes of nutmeg, apple pie, brioche, and grapefruit round out the aroma profile. While flavors of citrus, butterscotch, and brioche are generous in their expression, the rest of the aroma profiles flow seamlessly into the palate. There is incredible density in the palate yet the vibrant acidity maintains freshness. The finish is layered, creamy, and refreshing. For enhanced enjoyment, chill this Chardonnay before serving and enjoy now through 2025.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 34% new
Production: 22 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 5.76 g/L – 3.39 pH
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: October 2013
Club Release: May 5, 2015
Drink Now through 2025
Tasting Notes
“Medium yellow hue. Rich scents of butterscotch, honey, molasses and nutmeg fuse with hints of apple, lemon, and lime. As the flavors flare out, there is a concentration of custard, lemon-zest, and honey notes. Very rich and dense mouth-feel from this cool-climate Chardonnay. This wine finishes very smooth and subtle with great polish. Enjoy now through 2020.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 11.5 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 38% new
Production: 16 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 3.65 pH
Alcohol: 14.1%
Harvest:
Club Release: June 17, 2014
Drink Now through 2020
Tasting Notes
“Pale yellow color. The nose displays an intriguing fusion of fig, grapefruit, green apple, and lemon. Upon taste, the palate is quite expansive with elements of apple pie, fig, ripe grapefruit, and a dash of oak spice. Vibrant acidity and a dense mouthfeel give this wine a sense of intrigue as it is reminiscent of apple pie infused with nutmeg and lemon-zest. Drink now through 2020.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging: 10 months
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 37% new
Production: 15 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.23 g/L
Alcohol: 14.1%
Drink Now through 2020
Tasting Notes
“Fogstone Vineyard is one of our new generation partners, where we have complete control “from soil to bottle.” I am constantly in the vineyard, working to let this great site express itself through focused, intense Chardonnay fruit. This rich, layered wine can go with just about anything – chicken, salmon, shellfish, or pasta.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Production Data
Growers: Bret Sisney and Gary Filizetti
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Barrel Aging:
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 20% new
Production: 13 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 7.191 g/L
Alcohol: 14.3%