Hanzell Vineyards "Sebella" Chardonnay 2022
(Sonoma County, California) - [JS 95] [WS 90]

About the Winery:
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage.  Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay.  After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America.  Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Hanzell “Sebella” is crafted from the younger within our Day and Zellerbach vineyard blocks with an average vine age by volume of 17 years. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral French oak barrels for six months, Hanzell “Sebella” captures our classic minerality, bright fruit, and signature aroma of Chardonnay flowers in bloom. 

Tasting Notes:
Bursting with aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, mango, lemon verbena, lime zest, and a lifted chalky minerality, the nose is bright and effusive. Pear, tangerine, lime, Meyer lemon, kumquat and hints of arugula carry on a textured and buoyant long juicy and tremendously delicious finish.

Ingredients: Certified Organically Farmed Chardonnay Grapes, Sulphur, Organic Nutrients

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Precise and focused aromas of flint, lemon confit, orange oil and hazelnuts. The palate is mid-weighted with vivid acidity and a textural but delicate mouthfeel. 100% stainless steel fermentation and then six months in old French oak has maintained lovely freshness and tension that has set the wine up for aging. Drink or hold." (Apr 2025)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Bright and lemony, with lemon cream and citrus zest, plus accents of tangerine and mango. There's an appealingly firm, almost chalky note that gives the flavors a fleshy quality. Orange blossom, ginger and vetiver details linger on the finish. Drink now. 2,296 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (Jul 2025)