Truchard Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay / 2021 / 75cl

A pioneer of Carneros AVA, Tony Truchard’s story is one of remarkable perseverance and foresight.

Tony studied medicine and moved to California. A chance drive through Carneros persuaded him to purchase an abandoned eight-hectare orchard with a southwest exposure. Although the area was mainly pastureland in the 1970s, Tony recognised the benefits of the cooling fog and moderate temperatures for viticulture. Intrigued about why no one had planted grapes in the area, he asked around. Everyone gave the same response: it was too cool and there was not enough water for the shallow clay hillsides. Determined to prove there was a way, Tony utilised the clay soils to create reservoirs and trap the rainwater, which could be used sparingly to grow vines. He became an early adopter of drip irrigation, which was not yet used in California. Successful plantings of various grapes followed, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tony continued to practise medicine, only this time in Nevada, and would drive 3.5 hours to Carneros with his family every Friday evening to work in the vineyard. He and his two sons, John and Anthony II, would tend to the vines before returning home on Sunday night.

On the nose, this wine displays aromas of pineapple, quince and honeysuckle, with hints of nutmeg and toast. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with flavours of green apple, pear, and lemon zest. Crisp acidity and a hint of salinity are balanced by notes of toasted spices on the finish.  

Truchard Vineyards