A California winery that produces some serious value, Migration is Duckhorn’s winery that focuses on crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Migration line of wines were created back in 2001 by Duckhorn, and it wasn’t until 2008 that Migration made Chardonnay. A few years ago I tried the Migration lineup and I was struck by the lack of balance in some of the wines. Chardonnays were too cloying, using too much oak and they really didn’t show that well. Such is not the case with the new wines by Migration, that are really outstanding across the board.
Dana Epperson has been head winemaker at Migration since 2017 and her new wines were sensational especially for the price. These are wines that offer really good stuffing and salty terroir. I love the 2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (OB, 91) which has great length and tension with salty undertones. Even better is the great value, 2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is remarkably easy to drink with delicious red fruits and good tension. You can learn more about these excellent new wines at https://www.migrationwines.com Here are the great new wines by Migration.
2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- Crafted from vines sourced from the Running Creek, Jewell and Charles Heintz VIneyards, this outstanding new Chardonnay shows classy brioche tones combined with honeydew melon and salty undertones. Medium-bodied and beautifully textured, this is best consumed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2022-2028- 91
2019 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from three separate Dutton estates, the 2019 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers a whiff of salted red fruits alongside tilled soils and shades of orange rind. Full-bodied and fresh, this is downright delicious wine to consume right now. Drink 2022-2029- 92
