Simpatico Ranch was planted in 1974. Shallow volcanic soils on the gently-sloped, south-facing foothills of Bennett Peak on Bennett Valley’s floor. One of (if not the) coolest Chardonnay vineyards in Sonoma County.
Inspired by Simpatico’s textbook-perfect grapes, this wine is crafted using the traditional Meursault-inspired winemaking regimen—barrel fermented in French oak, full malolactic, extended elevage, sur lie aged on heavy lees, minimal sulfuring, finished in stainless steel—to create a brilliant, complex Chardonnay, with few peers.
WINEMAKER NOTES – Simpatico Ranch’s winning streak continues! Consistent, low-drama vintages like 2019 play perfectly towards the vineyard's gnarly and knobbed 45-year old Chardonnay vines. This wine is pure pleasure. Key lime pie topped with toasted merengue floats out of the glass. Coating the palate is a rich and vibrant melon drizzled with orange blossom honey. Light on its feet, yet packed with flavor, each sip leaves you wanting more.
"There are 225 cases of the 2019 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch, which is from a cooler, higher elevation site in Sonoma. Lots of peach, tangerine, honeyed minerality, and toasted hazelnuts all emerge from the glass, and while I don't think it matches the 2018, it's a brilliant Chardonnay offering medium to full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's beautifully balanced and is going to keep for at least 5-7 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (September 2021), 94 pts
- Jeb Dunnuck (January 2021), 96 pts
"Wow—I just love the nose of the 2015 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch, which sings of fresh grapefruit, lemon curd and yuzu with nuances of acacia honey, fresh ginger, lime blossoms and chopped almonds. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with a stunning array of citrus, spice and floral notions, backed by seamless freshness and packaged in a beautiful satin-textured frame, finishing with great length and depth. Yes, yes, yes! 150 cases produced. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #237, June 2018), 95+ pts
'Argot' refers to a shared language, borne from, and reinforcing the intimacy associated with tight-knit groups, whom are brought together by their common interests and shared histories:
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