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.

The Grower

The story of The Dalya Estate is deeply intertwined with its owner, Dalya Sachs, and her profound connection to California. For Dalya, acquiring this property was the joyful culmination of a personal journey to reclaim her roots in the Golden State. After spending three decades in Berkeley and Oakland, followed by a stint in Austin, Dalya felt drawn back to her home state.

Having grown up in Marin County, just 45 minutes south of the estate, Dalya’s ties to the region run deep. Her family still calls Marin home, making the proximity of The Dalya Estate particularly meaningful. This connection to place and family was a driving force behind her decision to establish her own haven in Sonoma County.

The Dalya Estate has become more than just a property; it’s a magnetic gathering spot for Dalya’s friends and family. It’s a place where loved ones come together to bask in the exceptional beauty of the landscape and share in moments of joy and laughter. There’s a palpable sense of enchantment that permeates the estate, a quality that Dalya and her guests consistently acknowledge.

This unique blend of natural beauty, personal history, and shared experiences creates an atmosphere that visitors can’t help but feel. The Dalya Estate isn’t just a vineyard or a retreat – it’s a place where the magic of Sonoma comes alive, inviting all who visit to become part of its ongoing story.

Visit The DaLYA ESTATE

From The Vines to the Bottle

Our 2021 Dalya Estate Chardonnay embodies the essence of intentional winemaking. Picked at a low brix, the grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed, preserving their delicate character. After pressing, the juice settled for 24-48 hours in stainless steel tanks, allowing natural clarification. Matt’s patient approach shines through in the fermentation process. Using native yeasts, the wine underwent a slow fermentation in our cellar. This method enhances the wine’s aromatic profile and contributes to its layered complexity.

The 2021 Dalya Estate Chardonnay underwent a unique aging process, with 70% of the wine aged in concrete eggs for 9 months and 30% in 600L demi-muid barrels. Only 20% of the entire blend saw new oak, imparting subtle complexity without overpowering the wine’s inherent qualities.

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