91 Points
James Suckling
2021 Olema Chardonnay Reserve

Chardonnay Reserve
The Olema Chardonnay Reserve is the result of the phenomenal vineyards we work with each year, allowing us the opportunity to make a second Chardonnay beginning in 2017. A little richer, more unctuous and forward than the Sonoma County Chardonnay, the Reserve Chardonnay is made with a little more new oak and leaps from the glass with flavors of caramelized fruit and apricot combine with vanilla and custard notes.
Vintage Notes
The 2021 harvest will be remembered as a harvest of rebirth and of achievement for Olema Wines. After the challenges that 2020 brought, our team was especially looking forward to this vintage. The warmer, drier winter pushed bud break earlier than usual and was followed by a dry but steady summer growing season. Harvest began in mid-August and continued steadily before ramping up in September as the heat rose across the valley. Drought conditions throughout California led to lighter crop yields; however, we are very pleased with the exceptional quality of fruit and resulting wine in the 2021 Olema Chardonnay Reserve.
Winemaking Notes
The 2021 Olema Chardonnay Reserve is a blend produced from premier vineyards in Sonoma County. A portion of the blend was aged in barrels for a rich, creamy texture with the remainder fermented in stainless steel which preserves the bright, vibrant fruit and crispness.
This rich, full-bodied Chardonnay opens with aromas of sweet vanilla bean, Anjou pear, and toasted nuts. On the palate, ripe green apple and notes of banana cream pie are highlighted by fresh stone fruit flavors that linger throughout the elegant finish.
- Vintage
- 2021
- Varietal
- Chardonnay
- Appellation
- Sonoma County
- Blend
- 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 13.8% abv