Fermented without added yeast in older French oak barrels and casks (only) seven percent is new wood), this wine has a mild toastiness form lees aging and a clean exposition from beginning to end. The mellow citrus flavors and tight acidity keep it lifted, while the unctuous texture would match rich fish, like grilled Spanish mackerel.
The best thing about this Chardonnay is the acidity, which fortunately balances the sugary orange jam, vanilla cream and buttered toast flavors. Without that crispness, the wine would be nothing but sweetness. Wherever the acidity came from, it’s welcome. — S.H. (3/1/2012)
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"Made in the drier, leaner, earthier and more Chablisian style that’s increasingly popular, this Chardonnay is a natural for food pairings, such as shellfish. It’s a minerally wine, with elegant citrus, kiwi and pear flavors and a streamlined complexity. "– S.H.
"A classic California Chardonnay showing notes of white peach, a bit of honey, and background oak, it is medium to full-bodied and possesses some interesting minerality. Pure and impeccably well-made, it is a delicious, full-throttle Maconnais style of Chardonnay to drink over the next several years."
"Bright straw. Fresh pineapple and melon on the nose and in the mouth. Lush and creamy on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, offering deep tropical fruit and honeydew flavors and a spicy nuance. Finishes smooth and gently spicy. Open-knit and drinking well now." Josh Raynolds
An elegant show of ripe pear and honeydew melon that's medium-bodied, clean and pure. Smooth-textured and ready to drink. Drink now through 2014. 8,400 cases made.-JL
"Poached pear and pineapple characteristics are also found in this medium-bodied, richly fruity, crisp, fresh Chardonnay. It was aged sur-lie for eight months, 7,800 cases produced."
"It is hard to find a 92-point Chardonnay for $24 a bottle, but Stuhlmullers 2007 Chardonnay is a beauty. Lemon oil, honeysuckle, white currant, white peach, and poached pear characteristics are present in this beauty along with terrific freshness, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and a long..."
"Tangy lime and citrus notes join riper green apple and honeydew melon in this supple, full-bodied, complex and elegant offering. The finish is long and clean. Drink now through 2011. 5,600 cases made. —J.L. ..."
"Stuhlmuller has established a fine track record with this wine. The signature is an oak-infused spiciness, and the flamboyant tropical fruit flavors of Alexander Valley Chardonnay. Tiers of pineapples, pears and mangoes flood the palate, leading to a long, honey-rich finish. — S.H. (7/1/2008) ..."
"This outstanding Chardonnay displays aromas of fresh green apples intermixed with lemon blossoms, pears, and honeysuckle. Some mineral notes, crisp acidity, a medium-bodied style, and a judicious touch of oak result in a delicious white to drink over the next 1-2 years. ..."
"Stuhlmuller continues its recent string of Chardonnay successes with yet another winner. From its fresh, carefully oaked aromas of well-defined apples to its deep and gregarious young flavors, it is not only rich in fruit but shows, even at its tender age, a bit of expansion and suggestions of compl..."
""If you're familiar with the lush, complex Chards from Robert Young, this will ring a bell. It's layered in ripe mango, guava, nectarine, peach and smoky, caramelized oak flavors, with an exotic taste of butter-sauteed bananas. All that flavor is nicely balanced by rich, lemony acidity." ..."
"The lovely 2005 Chardonnay Estate exhibits aromas of citrus blossom, oranges, and tropical fruits. Although not complex, it is a savory, medium to full-bodied, tasty white to enjoy over the next1-2 years. ..."
"Best Chardonnay from this winery. It is supple complex in flavor full bodied Chardonnay, well balanced, and long on the finish, tasting of baked bread, pineapple, lemon peel, and roasted nut. 2700 cases (2005-2006) ..."
"Although there are bigger and more dramatic Chardonnays to be found in this issue, there are few that are as nicely fruited or carefully proportioned as this engaging effort. Led by plenty of lively, lightly lemony, apple-like fruit and helped along by a neatly tailored complement of sweet creamy oa..."
"Fresh, ripe apple, pear, flora and spicy scents lead to rich, complex flavors that are neatly tapered, finishing with a sense of elegance and persistent flavors. Drink now through 2006. 2,800 cases made. J.L. ..."