We were beyond thrilled to hear that winemaker James Hall had purchased Patz & Hall back last year from the corporate owners to whom he, partner Anne Moses and the Patzes had sold the winery back in 2016. James had worked there for several years after the sale but, after his contract ran out, was afraid that the brand these two families had worked so hard to create back in 1988 would sink into mediocrity. Well, with James back in control, you can bet P&H will remain as relevant as ever, and this Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist will continue to make groundbreaking wines of style and quality. 

We had the chance to try the 2022 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and loved it! It’s a collection of twenty three top-quality Sonoma County sites that could all be bottled as single-source bottlings; six blocks of Dutton Ranch, various blocks of Sanchietti Vineyard, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Zio Tony Ranch, Parmelee-Hill Vineyard, Alder Springs and Durell Vineyard, all longtime Patz & Hall staples. 

The P&H style has always emphasized fruit and balance with a judicious kiss of oak and wonderful natural acidity, and this lovely 2022 is no exception. At first whiff, we got Golden Delicious apple, blood orange and dried pineapple with bright, lifted florals and a dash of vanilla and dried honey. Big on the palate but not overdone, it’s just right with a tinge of coastal saline that finishes fresh and lively. 

You could say this is the archetypal cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, and even sworn Burgundy lovers will find a lot to love here, especially at $30 a bottle! Welcome back, Sir James! We missed you.

Wine Spectator: Ripe, succulent peach, apricot and mango flavors are generous and juicy, with notes of toasted coconut, crème anglaise, tangerine and orange blossoms, plus a drizzle of wildflower honey. The intensity persists on the finish, with hints of shortbread and grilled pineapple that linger. 93 points

Wine Enthusiast: Floral and mineral-driven, this coastal wine delivers a stoniness of green apple and pear—crisp, defined flavors that lead to a complementary spread of brioche and toasted oak. Hearty and rich, it has balance and concentration. 92 points