A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2019 The Sage Chardonnay

The 2019 The Sage hails from the Sullivan Vineyard on Dutton Ranch planted to Old Wente clone vines dating back to 1980. These older vines grow in extremely light, sandy Goldridge soils that leave a cloud of dust 10 feet high as you walk the vineyard. In 2019, everything came together wonderfully. It has a bright lemon color with flashes of green. Aromatic fireworks of lemon curd, passionfruit, fennel frond, orange zest and lime blossom are delicately framed by light oak spice notes. The palate is full and voluptuous, yet maintains oodles of energy and power from the balancing acids, leading to a long, complex finish with notes of bright lemon peel, tangerine, anise and a hint of clove. 

  • 100% Chardonnay
  • From Sullivan Vineyard at Dutton Ranch
  • Old Wente Chardonnay Clone planted in the early '80s
  • Barrel-fermented and aged in 20% new French Oak
  • Native yeast fermentation for complexity and authenticity
  • 100% malolactic
  • 112 cases produced from 5 barrels

Reviews
Sourced from the Sonoma Coast, Relic's 2019 Chardonnay The Sage is primarily Old Wente selection planted in 1980 and farmed by the Dutton family. With just 25% new French oak, it's fruit-driven, with pear, melon and pineapple notes leading the way, an appealing, plump, medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and just hints of pencilly oak on the long, citrusy finish.
Joe Czerwinski
/
The Wine Advocate
/
May 31, 2022
/
93
points
More tropical notes of pineapple, ripe lemon, and melon emerge from the 2019 The Sage Chardonnay. It’s medium to full-bodied, rich, and textured, with classic California opulence as well as freshness.
Jeb Dunnuck
/
JebDunnuck.Com
/
March 10, 2022
/
93
points