Wines Sonoma Valley The Society's - Exhibition - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Society's Exhibition White 2022 from Sonoma Valley AVA represents a prime example of the expressive whites crafted in this esteemed Californian region. Although the precise blend is not specified, Sonoma is renowned for its vibrant expressions of varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and occasionally Viognier or Semillon, depending on the house style. The 2022 vintage reflects a year marked by steady ripening and balanced conditions, enabling the grapes to develop full aromatic complexity while retaining refreshing acidity. The winemaking approach at The Society’s often focuses on purity of fruit and finesse, likely seeing cool fermentation in stainless steel or partially in neutral oak to preserve the delicate floral and orchard fruit notes, with a subtle texture on the palate.

Sonoma Valley AVA, situated north of San Francisco, benefits from a unique microclimate shaped by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Morning fog and cool breezes moderate temperatures, slowing the ripening process and allowing grapes to retain their natural acidity. The soils are a mosaic of volcanic ash, alluvial gravel, and loam, which contribute both structure and nuanced minerality to the finished wine. With a rich winegrowing history dating back to the 19th century, Sonoma has long upheld a reputation for producing whites that balance Californian sunshine with Old World elegance—a hallmark now reflected in the dynamic wines emerging each vintage.

For food pairings, this Sonoma white’s bright fruit and lively acidity make it exceptionally versatile at the table. It will sing alongside grilled lemon chicken, fresh crab salad, or fish tacos with salsa verde. For a regional touch, consider serving it with Dungeness crab cakes or a classic Californian Cobb salad, as the wine’s freshness will cut through the richness of the dish and enhance delicate seafood flavours.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally at 8-10°C. This temperature range will best highlight its aromatic spectrum and creamy texture, offering a refreshing yet complex experience from first sip to finish.