Brand: Trail Marker
Country: USA
Region: California
Vintage: 2021
Rating: 93
Farming Practice: Organic
Trail Marker is a tiny gem of a family winery focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Mendocino Ridge made in a classic, old-world way. Born in 2012 with the goal of working with cooler, coastal sites to produce wines with finesse and delineation, they have a “hands-off” winemaking approach and use little or no new oak.
The Santa Cruz Chardonnay comes from two sites at approximately 800ft above sea level. The wine is produced using very natural techniques and is aged 13 months in neutral, French oak. A great mid-weight Chardonnay full of flavor. Practicing organic.
VM93: The 2021 Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) is a gorgeous wine. The appellation Chardonnay at Trail Marker has often been an under the radar gem, as it is again in 2021. The balance of fruit depth and citrus/mineral/floral brightness is compelling.