Sounds began with one wild idea and two people with a relentless drive to create an interpretation of California Chardonnay that hits different. We’re not here to follow rules – we’re here to make original wines that push boundaries and capture the raw potential of California’s coastal terroirs.
We seek out vineyards begging for expression. From cool, windswept sites to elevated mountain peaks, these are the places where the Pacific Ocean leaves its untamed mark. In the cellar, our wines are made by feel. Gently pressed grapes, naturally fermented and left to age quietly and gracefully in barrel. Every decision – made just by the two of us - as we allow each cru to evolve without manipulation.
Sounds is small and hands-on. It’s a little outside the lines. Above all, it’s intensely personal. Our path to uncovering the many facets of coastal Californian Chardonnay.
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Sounds is inspired by the coastal, sea-trenched bodies of water that shaped our upbringings as well as the style of Chardonnay we wish to explore: coastal-influenced wines that harness the unique characteristics of their sites with crystalline transparency.
Found along coastlines around the world, sounds are bodies of water typically located between two land masses and connected to a larger sea or ocean. The term sound is often used interchangeably with other marine geographic labels such as bay or fjord, though they are not strictly the same.
Our paths to wine were different, though from a young age, we both knew wine would be our life’s work.
Since her first role at Calera Winery where a love of Burgundy took root, Lauren’s thirst for wine has never been quenched. Amidst the limestone-rich soils of the Central Coast’s Gabilan Mountains she developed a lifelong love of Chardonnay and an appreciation for place-driven wines.
Throughout his teens, Jason worked in the vineyards of his native New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region. Experiences that instilled in him the importance of farming touch in relation to capturing site, including organic and biodynamic practices. Subsequent roles in Bordeaux, New Zealand, Australia and Napa Valley reinforced his “grower first” mentality and gave him an international perspective on wines of all stripes. Jason has served as winemaker at Napa Valley’s Futo Estate since 2008.
“We are drawn to sites that have proven themselves over time, but we also look for something more. These places inspire emotion…awe, wonder, joy, even disbelief that they exist.”
We are modeled on the mindset of the vigneron, where the growing of grapes and making of wine cannot be separated. Working side by side, we touch, taste and sculpt our Chardonnays with our own hands, palates and muscle. Our energy and singular attention focused on capturing the essence of these places.
Our Chardonnays are released in limited quantities, twice per year, and offered first to our mailing list.