Everything tastes interventionist on this Chardonnay. The fruit is extracted in pineapple jam, the oak is strong, the wine went through malolactic fermentation, which gives it buttered toast flavors, and the acidity feels unnatural given the ripeness. Will satisfy fans of the New World style, but the wine, tasty as it is, lacks authenticity and balance. — S.H. (3/1/2012)
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Bright, rich, intense and vibrant, with a core of citrus-laced apple, pear, melon and tangerine flavors. Full-bodied, with lively acidity that carries the flavors. Drink now through 2016. 279 cases made. –JL
Hazy, greenish yellow. Explosive, exotically perfumed scents of poached pear, passion fruit, smoky lees and iodine, with slow-mounting spiciness. Lush, palate-staining orchard fruit flavors show impressive depth and are enlivened by notes of candied ginger and lemon zest. Finishes with very good clarity and a resonating citrus note. Fritz Stuhlmuller told me that this wine always gets a year of bottle age before it's released. Josh Raynolds
"This 2008 Reserve Chardonnay (a much more limited production wine) displays a stronger influence of French oak, slightly more tropical fruit, and hints of butterscotch. It is not necessarily a better Chardonnay, although it is certainly more beefed up and spicier due to the oak. The wine has more marmalade and honeysuckle notes, medium to full body, and lots of fruit. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."
"This voluptuous wine begins with aromas of ripe pear, plum, Meyer lemon, vanilla and buttered popcorn. On the palate, a core of Asian pear, yellow fruit and spice dominates, accentuated by layers of hazelnut and lemon custard. Throughout, integrated oak and a beam of stony minerality balance the lus..."
"Clean, fresh and vibrant, with tight, juicy citrus, green apple and melon fruit that's supple, refreshing and full-bodied, marked by a streak of lime and citrus. Drink now through 2012. 278 cases made..."
"The 2006 Chardonnay Reserve reveals more orange marmalade and creamy peach notes along with a hint of brioche, and a full-bodied, long finish. Although not as exuberant and fruit-forward as the 2007, it is a strong effort for a 2006 Chardonnay. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years...."
"This dramatically structured Chardonnay, a finely balanced wine from Alexander valley, which produces lush, exotic Chards... it's enormously complex... papaya, mango, crystallized ginger candy and cinnamon spice flavors are long and deep, while extensive new oak adds luscious butterscotch and caram..."
"A rich complex, buttery style, with layers of tasty fig, apricot, smoky oak, and spicy anise nuances. Full-bodied and nicely balanced, with a long, satisfying aftertaste that echoes tropical fruit and citrus. Drink now through 2008. 87 cases made. ..."