Highly respected Patz and Hall Winery in Sonoma is commemorating their 35th anniversary. This milestone was achieved as husband and wife team James Hall and Anne Moses collaborated in 1988 with their friends and business partners Donald and Heather Patz. They developed an iconic brand and niche crafting of expressive, finesse-driven single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from specific vineyard sites. Rather than owning vineyards, James built relationships with esteemed growers, securing high quality fruit from their vineyards. These quintessential growers include Larry Hyde, Lee and George Martinelli, Gail, Steve and Joe Dutton, Charlie Chenoweth and Lee Hudson. James dedicates his artistic energies crafting prized raw materials into great wines.


The Patz and Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a composite of acclaimed vineyards within Sonoma Coast. This pale yellow wine displays the prototypical character of this cool climate, foggy region. The nose has precision and delicate floral aromas. Within are bracing citrus tree fruits with honeydew melon, citron and white peach. The wine is well integrated with a crisp and juicy component that continues on your palate. I have tasted the Patz and Hall Sonoma Coast bottling after some bottle age and it seems to compose itself over time with a more broad flavor profile. Be patient to get the most from this Chardonnay.

By W Peter Hoyne