Jackson Family Wines La Crema Chardonnay Kelli-Ann 2022

The Gold Standard of Eastside Road

In early 2026, the 2022 Kelli Ann Vineyard Chardonnay is a focal point for fans of the "Big and Beautiful" Russian River style. While the 2022 vintage in Sonoma was marked by a dramatic Labor Day heatwave, the Kelli Ann Vineyard—planted in 1989 on the fabled Eastside Road—benefited from its proximity to the Russian River's cooling fog. Harvested on September 3rd, just as the heat began to peak, this wine captured a rare balance: it possesses the intense concentration of a warm year but maintains the "vibrant acidic nerve" that keeps high-end Chardonnay from feeling heavy.

The Terroir: Old Vines & River Fog

• The Vibe: If the La Crema 'Sonoma Coast' is a "refreshing breeze," the Kelli Ann is a "velvet sunrise." It is deep, multi-layered, and unapologetically luxurious.

• The Site: Kelli Ann is one of La Crema's most prized estate vineyards. The clay-loam soils and the specific "Eastside" microclimate allow for a long hang-time, which is essential for developing the wine's signature tropical and baking spice complexity.

• The Style: This is a "Traditional" Russian River Chardonnay—meaning it embraces barrel fermentation and a significant oak regimen to create a wine with "breadth" and structural power.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Tasted now, the 2022 has settled into its "youthful prime." The initial oak impact has begun to integrate, allowing the vineyard's floral and mineral notes to shine through.

• The Nose: Generous and Layered. It opens with intense aromas of Meyer lemon, roasted pear, and nectarine. As it breathes, sophisticated notes of brioche, crème brûlée, and white jasmine emerge, followed by a hint of salted butterscotch.

• The Palate: Lush and Concentrated. The entry is creamy and "giving," with a soft, lacy texture. You'll find flavors of ripe pineapple, yellow apple, and marzipan. There is a "weight" to this wine that feels expensive, yet it is lifted by a clean, persistent acidity.

• The Finish: Long and Spicy. It leaves a lingering impression of vanilla bean, lemon verbena, and a touch of toasted hazelnut.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The Luxury Match: Butter-Poached Lobster or Dungeness Crab; the wine's creamy texture and "salted butter" notes are a seamless match for rich shellfish.

• The Savory Choice: Wild Mushroom Soup with Crème Fraîche; the earthy umami of the mushrooms brings out the wine's hidden spice and forest-floor nuances.

• The Decadent Treat: Roasted Chicken with a Tarragon-Cream sauce; the wine’s acidity cuts through the cream while its oak echoes the roasted skin of the bird.

Pro Tip: In 2026, critics are noting the "concentrated flavor" of this vintage due to lower yields. To fully release the pineapple and brioche aromatics, do not serve this ice-cold. Take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before pouring to hit 11–13°C. Using a wide-bowled Burgundy glass is highly recommended to let this "Big" Chardonnay breathe.