Mascarin Wines’ Inaugural Single-Vineyard Designated Chardonnay

We are proud to announce that the 2021 Dalya Estate Chardonnay has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2025. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of this special wine.

Our Winemaker Matt Taylor has recently been getting some notoriety for his Chardonnays. His unique approach to winemaking, rooted in natural methods and a deep understanding of viticulture, has resulted in wines that captivate critics and enthusiasts alike. Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, describes Taylor’s Chardonnays as tasting and smelling like “cool forests, salty ocean air and ripe California citrus,” calling them “astounding”. This sentiment is echoed by Eric Asimov of The New York Times, who hailed one of Taylor’s Chardonnays as “one of the most exciting California chardonnays I’ve had in recent memory,” featuring it in “The Most Memorable Wines of 2024”. These accolades highlight Matt’s ability to craft Chardonnays that are both distinctive and reflective of their Sonoma County origins, solidifying, we believe, as his reputation as a winemaker to watch in the California wine scene.

In the heart of Sonoma County’s picturesque landscape lies a hidden gem that embodies the spirit of our intentional winemaking – the Dalya Estate Vineyard. This boutique, two-acre vineyard is the exclusive source for Mascarin Wines’ inaugural single-vineyard designated Chardonnay, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and terroir-driven approach that defines our winemaking philosophy.

Winemaker Matt Taylor

The Vineyard

The Dalya Estate, owned by Dalya Sachs, is more than just a vineyard; it’s a sanctuary of sustainable agriculture and luxury. Featured on the Emmy-winning TV show “Staycation,” this organically farmed retreat boasts two exquisite vacation rental homes nestled among breathtaking gardens and verdant vines. Spanning a mere 2 acres, this boutique vineyard exclusively dedicates itself to the cultivation of 100% Chardonnay grapes.

Planted in 2003, the Dalya Estate Vineyard benefits from the cool climate influence of the Sonoma Coast. This unique microclimate, combined with sustainable and organic farming practices, yields small, intense clusters of Chardonnay grapes with pronounced acidity and depth.

The vineyard’s hallmark fog moderates the sun’s intensity during the critical period between veraison and harvest. This results in narrow temperature swings and relatively cool daytimes that promote highly nuanced flavors in the grapes, creating a Chardonnay that truly speaks to its origin.

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