93pts Vinous
The 2021 Chardonnay Nancie is a very pretty, understated wine. The blend of sites from Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley and Russian River Valley works so well. Bright floral accents and a kick of reduction give the aromatics lovely presence. Hints of apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, spice and a kiss of French oak open with some coaxing. The 2021 is beautifully done. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2028 Antonio Galloni, January 2024

Terroir & Vineyard
The Nancie Chardonnay is crafted by Donelan from select vineyard sites throughout Sonoma County, primarily those with older vines, dry-farmed status and well-drained gravelly loam soils. These sites are chosen to emphasise purity of fruit and site-character rather than overt richness. For the 2021 vintage, the growing season returned to near-normal conditions after previous extremes, allowing for both concentration and freshness.

Winemaking
Donelan uses a thoughtful approach: partial malolactic conversion, lees-stirring in some lots, and a mix of vessels (including neutral oak, stainless steel and/or concrete) to preserve texture and minerality. The 2021 Nancie is described by Donelan as “taut and lively, but balanced” with slate and salt-stone signature coming through.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale straw-gold hue with a hint of brightness—youthful but showing good clarity.
• Aroma (Nose): Aromas of nutmeg and white grapefruit, lemon-bar sweetness, under-laid by slate and saltstone minerality.
• Palate: Crisp and precise — fresh white grapefruit and citrus-zest lead, stone fruit (pear or subtle peach), a clear mineral thread of slate/chalk and finishing salt-air or faint saline note. The texture is elegant yet firm, carrying good acidity and phenolic grip.
• Finish: Long and refined; the mineral/stone motif persists with citrus peel echo, offering both immediacy and subtle complexity.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: Best at around 10-12 °C (50-54 °F). Allow a few minutes in the glass to open up.
• Food pairings:
• Fresh oysters or shell-fish (scallops, clams) served lightly with lemon or sea-salt.
• Grilled white fish (halibut, sea-bass) with herb-butter or light beurre blanc.
• Soft cheeses (goat-cheese, young Comté) or a mild ricotta tart.
• Vegetable-based dishes with chalky/mineral components: asparagus with lemon-zest, artichoke risotto, or herb-roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• Drinking window: Ready now for those who enjoy a crisp, site-driven Chardonnay; cellaring for 5-8 years will allow further integration of texture and mineral nuance.

Summary
Donelan Nancie Chardonnay 2021 is a refined Sonoma County Chardonnay that emphasizes minerality, freshness and purity of fruit. With nutmeg, white grapefruit, lemon-bar aromas and a slate/saltstone mineral signature, it offers an elegant, structured drinking experience ideal for customers looking beyond heavily oaked styles.