The Founders Reserve Chardonnay is the tête de cuvée of each vintage and the most distinctive Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer. Crafted from the winemakers’ top barrel selections, this wine reveals a richly layered profile and focused structure, showcasing exceptional depth and character.
For this vintage, The Founders Reserve Chardonnay is crafted using fruit from select blocks of The Cutrer and Les Pierres vineyards. The fruit was hand-harvested at night into shallow bins and cooled to preserve fresh flavors and natural acidity. After whole cluster pressing, the cool, golden-green free-run juice settled for a few days before fermenting in French oak barrels and aged for 13 months in the cave-like conditions of our Grand Cru cellar.
The nose is vibrant, opening with Honeycrisp apple, baked pear and subtle hints of pineapple, accented by layers of nougat, caramel, and oak spice. Floral notes of white blossom weave through, adding a graceful touch. On the palate, flavors of pie crust and roasted nuts intermingle with whispers of nutmeg and cream, offering both richness and finesse. The wine’s structure is impeccably balanced, with a fresh acidity from Les Pierres B North, the distinction and complexity of Les Pierres H North and the lingering finish of The Cutrer vineyard V Top.
While this vintage is ready to drink now, Founders Reserve is always a wine that enjoys time in the bottle. We recommend cellaring for one to two years before enjoying it. In a temperature-controlled environment, this Chardonnay can be aged for 10+ years.
Download Winemaker NotesAlcohol
13.8TA
6.2 gms/LPH
3.30RS
0.7 gms/LComposition
100% ChardonnayFermentation
100% MalolacticPairs well with
Lamb, Lobster, Prawns, Salmon, Vegetable PastasRecipes to Pair with Founders Reserve
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