Les Lunes Wine 2025 Chardonnay, Nirenstein Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
Item Number: 23529
UPC: None
Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Sonoma
Appellation/AVA: Sonoma Mountain
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: Nirenstein Vineyard
Vintage: 2025
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Basalt and chalky rhyolite rocks
Elevation: 800 feet
Vineyard Notes: Les Lunes' single vineyard Chardonnay comes from the Nirenstein Vineyard, in Sonoma Mountain, which they began farming in 2025. The 11-acre (4.4 ha) vineyard was planted in 2005 to the old Wente/Clone 4 selection, which is known for high acid and bright pineapple/tropical fruit aromas.
Around 7-8 million years ago the Sonoma Mountain area was highly volcanically active. Sonoma Mountain is essentially a collection of now dormant volcanoes. The Felta series dominates this location, which blends black/dark basalt (calcium and iron rich) and white/chalky/crystaline rhyolite (sodium, potassium, and aluminum rich, similar in chemical composition to granite, but more crystaline in structure due to its volcanic origins) rocks. It's not uncommon to find chunks of obsidian, which are black rhyolitic crystals formed miles beneath the surface. The texture is a gravelly, clay loam, which suits the vines well. The soils have good depth and drainage, but also good water holding capacity, which is allowing Les Lunes to work on reducing the irrigation (and yields).
The aspect is very ideal for Chardonnay as well, with a North-Eastern aspect, the early morning sun helps dry the vines while preventing harsh, direct afternoon light and heat. This, combined with the relatively high elevation for Sonoma at 800 feet, allows for slow and moderate ripening of the grapes.
Winemaking Notes: Les Lunes harvested the Chardonnay on three different dates to layer in the acidity and fruit of this cuvee. They pressed the fruit immediately, then, after fermentation finished, they let it age in stainless steel. The wine then undergoes malolac- tic fermentation, perfectly balancing freshness with the profound fruit of Sonoma Mountain.
Tasting Notes: The site produces fruit with high natural acidity, which is expressive and shows vibrant pineapple and tropical aromatics. There is a balanced mouthfeel between the expressive fruit and acidity, creating a lovely finish. This wine tastes lively now, but it should also age gracefully.