2022 Odonata Chardonnay 'Boekenoogen Vineyard'

100% Chardonnay from the SIP-certified sustainable Boekenoogen Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, farmed by the Caraccioli family. Full barrel fermentation with native yeasts and full malo, then aged for seven months with half of the wine in new French and the other in neutral. 13.7% alcohol. 152 cases made. 

We love Dennis Hoey's wines- he works closely with his growing partners to ensure impeccable fruit and makes the wines in a minimal intervention style, but instead of the light and crisp style that dominates that scene, his wines are full bodied, generous and lush while still remaining balanced. 

This Chard is bright and fresh but decadently Cali Chard on the nose, with notes of green apple melding into oak notes of sweet cream, vanilla and toast. Apple and candied citrus on the palate, which is rounded from the malo and time in barrel but with plenty of acidity. Has the richness and density you want from an oaked Chard but remains light on its feet at 13.7% alcohol. 

Winemaker Denis Hoey released his first commercial vintage when he was 21. He now blends old world methods with new world technique to make nouveau-style wines. He strives to produce wines that are rich, textured, and balanced, and that respect terroir and varietal character. His success is based on careful attention to detail and the purposeful use of each step in winemaking: grape sources, fermentation technique, pressing regiment, barrel selection, and aging program. The result is clean, focused wines.

Hoey, a native of Sacramento, grew up in a family that appreciated wines and exposed him to a wide range of quality wines that helped develop his palate. In 2004, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Business Management. Soon after that, he met Jeff Emery, owner and winemaker at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard. Their relationship quickly turned into an Old World apprenticeship for Denis, and he became the production manager for SCMV before starting Odonata Wines in Santa Cruz in 2005.

In 2014, Hoey and his wife, Claire, moved to the Santa Lucia Highlands where they are raising their family and running Odonata Winery. Their property includes a 2-acre vineyard, production facility, tasting room, and a welcoming patio where visitors can enjoy their unique wine.