The Calling 2021 Heintz Chardonnay

From the revered slopes of the Heintz Vineyard, perched on the fog-kissed edge of Green Valley in the Russian River Valley, The Calling 2021 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay emerges as a true benchmark of California white wine—graceful, powerful, and profoundly expressive. This vineyard, long considered among the finest “Grand Cru-esque” Chardonnay sites in California, benefits from cool maritime winds and ancient Goldridge soils, delivering an uncanny balance of ripeness and tension. First planted in 1980 by the Heintz family, this exceptional site has become synonymous with Chardonnays of stature, ageability, and layered complexity.

In the glass, the 2021 vintage is a radiant expression of coastal Russian River terroir. The nose offers a perfumed bouquet of Gravenstein apple, lemon blossom, crushed white flowers, and ripe tropical lychee, all elevated by hints of flinty minerality and nectarine skin. Aged 16 months sur lie in barrel with weekly battonage, this Chardonnay carries a mouth-coating texture that is both satiny and deeply structured. Partial malolactic fermentation (40%) lends it a lush mid-palate while preserving the spine of acidity necessary for longevity.

On the palate, the wine is rich and viscous yet never heavy. The core is dominated by Gravenstein apple, Bartlett pear, and lemon meringue, unfolding in layers of stone fruit, baked citrus, and a whisper of wet stone. Its full-bodied frame is counterbalanced by an energetic brightness that carries the wine into a long, clean, and luxurious finish. The interplay between tension and weight, between opulence and precision, is nothing short of masterful.

This is a Chardonnay for those who seek depth and personality in their whites—one that speaks clearly of place, climate, and careful élevage. The Calling’s commitment to low-intervention winemaking—hand-picked fruit, whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, and extended aging on lees—results in a wine that resonates with authenticity. It is both a profound standalone experience and a versatile partner at the table, capable of elevating dishes ranging from butter-poached lobster and roasted chicken to grilled peaches with mascarpone.

A triumph of terroir and technique, the 2021 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay will reward cellaring over the next 5–8 years, yet its youthful energy and silken mouthfeel make it a captivating indulgence today. This is not just a bottle of Chardonnay—it’s a call to something greater.

95 POINTS - "Deep yellow hue that’s reminiscent of pineapple and white grape juice. The taste follows suit, boasting pineapple slices, golden raisins and bananas with a peek-a-book herbal green note. The Charles Heintz Vineyard is one of the most coveted fruit sources in all of California, located in the Russian River Valley. This was pressed whole cluster and then barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts before undergoing about 40% malolactic conversion. Aged 16 months sur lie, which provides the rich, luscious texture you'll find on this full-bodied chardonnay. Pomme fruits like apples and quince can be noted here, as well as some stone fruits and trademark Russian River minerality." Decanter

91 POINTS - ""This layered and intricate wine veers toward a late-harvest style. Ripe peaches, honey and toasted almond nuances are nicely layered through a melted, soft texture. The wine comes off as sweet, and suggests pairing with brie toasts or sauteed sole." Wine Enthusiast

90 POINTS - ""Lip-smacking and buttery up front on a rich and viscous body, showing notes of butterscotch, peach cobbler, grilled lemon and Fuji apple, plus a hint of nougat. Offers vibrant acidity, with crunchy sea salt details and a whiff of lemon basil on the finish. Drink now. 159 cases made." Wine Spectator

This Chardonnay is full-bodied, textural, weighty, rich, viscous and complex. Aromas of Gravenstein apple, lemon blossom, white flowers, tropical, and nectarine. On the palate, flavors of Gravenstein apple, Bartlett pear, lemon meringue, and stone fruit. Bright and crisp yet has a satiny texture and luscious finish.