Marie Layer 2022 Chardonnay “Aries” Sonoma Coast 94 Points

Winery Notes: “With a brilliant pale straw hue that catches the eye, the 2022 Aries offers an aromatic bouquet that practically dances from the glass, evoking notes of zesty lemon curd and delicate jasmine blooms. Upon tasting, it dazzles the palate with a vibrant display of citrus fruits, white peach, and the refreshing essence of lime leaves, all seamlessly mingling with a persistent stony minerality. Balanced by lively acidity, it reveals a subtle whisper of a graham cracker crust, a testament to its careful barrel aging.”

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “A bright straw silver hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Aries comes from the Hawk Hill, Gaps Crown, Durell, and Marine Layer vineyards, as well as a couple of other small parcels, and it sees about 20% new oak. Fresh and floral in the glass, it shows notes of fresh pear, poached lemon, and wet stone. Medium to full-bodied, it retains good richness while feeling linear and citrus-driven, and it has a core of concentration with a long, lightly pithy finish. It’s very well-styled, and I continue to be impressed with these wines. Drink this over the next 5-7 years.”

Decanter 94 Points: “This is the entry-level bottling from the Marine Layer Chardonnay selection. The Aries blends Heintz, Durrell, Gap’s Crown, and Bohemian vineyards. The wine has a fresh marine salinity, oyster shells, and smoky grilled lemon peel. Finely etched minerality frames everything in this Chardonnay. On the palate, tangy citrus and smoky saline meld with a fantastic lemon cur”