Heitz Cellar "Quartz Creek" Chardonnay 2022
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 95] [WS 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
In the early 1960s, Joe and Alice Heitz envisioned crafting the most distinguished Chardonnay in Napa Valley. They learned under legends like Fred and Eleanor McRea from Stony Hill Vineyards up on Spring Mountain.

With those ambitious goals in mind, we carry on their legacy through the expression of the Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay. Situated at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains and blanketed by the morning fog from the Petaluma Gap, this site continues to produce our most elegant and refined expression of Chardonnay. Always sustainably farmed and vinified in the classic style to evoke the purest characteristics of the land where the grapes are grown.

Vintage Notes
Harvested on August 18th, we had a relatively early start to the season and picked well ahead of the heat wave that marked the 2022 vintage in early September. Weather leading up to harvest was favorable for crisp, pristine white wines and we see this clearly in our 2022 Quartz Creek Chardonnay. Bright acidity is balanced by elegant weight that is achieved through extended elevage on lees and a touch of new oak. The vibrant aromas are indicative of great growing season.

Vineyard Details 

Soil: Cortina stony loam, Haire loam (Chard), Clear Lake Clay loam, Bale Clay Loam (Cab)

Cultivation: Certified CCOF Organic, Demeter Biodynamic Certified in 2023

Varietal & AVA: 100% Chardonnay I Oak Knoll District AVA

Alcohol: 12.5%

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Quartz Creek Vineyard is beautifully textured in the glass. Apricot, lemon confit, white pepper and exotic floral top notes are all beautifully lifted. This is simply striking." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Sleek and precise, offering pear, green apple and pomelo notes, with a hint of freshly grated ginger, plus crushed rock minerality. Shows accents of salted Marcona almond and a toasted sesame seed detail. Drink now. 1,406 cases made." - Mary Ann Worobiec (Mar 2025)