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$33.95
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WE 94
IWC 91
WS 91
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
4
available
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Abeja’s Chardonnays are as certain to hit their target as a Kobe Bryant slam dunk, and the style remains consistent vintage after vintage. Spicy, nutty, based around stone fruits and melon, they do not shy away from the toasty flavors that derive from barrel fermentation in 40% new French oak. The underlying minerality and well-balanced acidity mark this as Washington fruit, most of it from the outstanding Conner Lee vineyard. Alcohol 14.1%. 690 cases produced. (Apr 2012)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright straw-yellow. Aromas of apricot, peach, citrus peel, wild herbs, spearmint, butterscotch and lees, with a floral lift that reminded me of viognier. A fresh, lively midweight with stone fruit flavors complemented by vanillin, toasty oak. There's a savory sake-like quality and an umami texture at work here that go nicely with the wine's restrained sweetness. Finishes smooth and long, with noteworthy concentration. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "Refined, elegant and tightly wound, with a good tension as the pear and spice flavors play against earthy and minerally nuances on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 690 cases made. (5/31/12)"
Producer notes: "This vintage of Chardonnay offers the elegant, balanced style for which our Chardonnay is known. Pears, star fruit, kiwi, and vanilla combine with moderate, integrated oak flavors, beautiful complexity, and pleasant acidity. Production of this wine is just half of our usual case quantity. Vineyard sources: Mill Creek Vineyard & Conner Lee Vineyard. 100% French oak (40% new, 60% one-year-old). 100% barrel fermentation. 100% malolactic fermentation."
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$34.95
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United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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$26.95
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United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
9
available
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List $35.00
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Producer notes: "Roussanne 63%, Grenache Blanc 37%. The combination of richly textured and perfumed Roussanne with the bright edginess of Grenache Blanc resulted in balanced flavors, alternating between the unctuous-ity of beeswax and the crisp bite of Asian pear. As the wine approaches room temperature one experiences an unfolding of the full range of its complexities, ranging from the fragrant bouquet of hibiscus to the layered flavors of a peach and quince compote dusted with cardamom spice. Enjoy now through 2015. Barrel aged 10 months in 100% neutral French oak. 392 cases produced. Alcohol 14.8%."
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$26.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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$14.95
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WA 87
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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87 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] The 2011 Chardonnay Estate is a relatively rich, buttery wine for the year and appellation, but it nevertheless shows good balance and depth, especially within its price range. Orange blossoms, nectarines and sweet spices are some of the aromas and flavors that wrap around the juicy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "There are aromas of apple, pear, butterscotch, toasted oak and a little minerality in the glass. This is a Chardonnay with a lush, rich, creamy mouthfeel, tropical notes and flavors of apple, pear and citrus, with just a touch of acidity on the finish. To retain the natural acidity we harvested 70% of our Chardonnay at night when the grapes are coolest, then cold ferment those lots in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging to highlight the citrus and green apple flavors. To add balance to the wine, we whole cluster press 30% of the best fruit and barrel ferment that portion in French Oak barrels. The barrel fermented lots undergo malolactic fermentation and age on the lees for 8 months to develop roundness and body. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$19.95
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RR 92
IWC 90
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "[$25 list] Zingy and lively, the 2011 Andrew Murray RGB Camp 4 Vineyard is a blend of equal parts Roussanne and Grenache Blanc that was aged both in stainless steel and neutral oak. Showing classic aromas of juiced pear, citrus rind, buttered almond, mineral, and a subtle hint of honey, it is decidedly fresh and pure on the palate, with a medium-bodied, detailed, and weightless texture, integrated acidity, and a dry, clean finish. All around beautiful stuff, it can easily stand on its own, or would also be the perfect starter to a meal. Give bottles a quick decant, and drink them over the coming year or two. (Dec 2012)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(a 50/50 blend of roussanne and grenache blanc): Light yellow. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes orange zest, ginger and honeysuckle, along with a dusty mineral overtone. Vibrant nectarine and citrus flavors show very good focus and energy, picking up spiciness with air. Finishes dry and refreshingly bitter, with excellent intensity, focus and length. Very grown-up in style, with no excess fat. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "The RGB is named for the blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, which is a typical white wine blend found in and around the small villages in the south of France. Typically Roussanne, which is more difficult to ripen and thus more rare, takes a backseat to the Grenache Blanc, which is a more neutral tasting grape. We like to richen up this blend a bit and include more of the robust Roussanne. The resulting blend is nearly a 50-50 balance between the two varieties. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and then fermented and aged together in a small, temperature controlled stainless tank. This early blending allowed the flavors to come together more completely. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to neutral French Burgundy barrels to allow a bit more oxygen into the wine, which acted to soften and round out the final wine. The aroma of this wine explodes with white flowers, green apple, a tropical/banana note, and a flinty/minerally note. The aromas find their way onto the palate where you will sense a long, round, viscous mouthfeel made complex with a racy acidity. The RGB is clean, fresh, and ready to drink. It should, however, improve over the next couple of years. 300 cases produced."
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$29.95
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WA 92
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $35.00
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$35 list] Antica’s 2011 Chardonnay is laced with lemon peel, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks. In this vintage, the estate’s Chardonnay is especially rich and powerful, largely because the irregular flowering lowered yields by 50%. This is an unusual Chardonnay that is bright in its aromas and flavors but fairly broad-shouldered in style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "The 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay has richness, yet remains elegant and delicate. There are generous flavors of pear, melon, and nectarine that are pure, focused and lingering on the palate. The finish on the wine is complex, adding to the wine's persistence and freshness."
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$7.95
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United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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Producer notes: "Ariel Chardonnay is fermented cold at 50ºF (10ºC) in both stainless steel cooperage and small French oak barrels to dryness. Once fermentation is completed, the wine is blended and receives additional oak aging. Just prior to bottling, the alcohol is gently removed by cold filtration. Ariel 2006 Chardonnay grapes are carefully chosen from a variety of regions in California, with vineyards selected for Chardonnay exhibiting an emphasis on tropical fruit aromas. Ariel Chardonnay has a distinctive combination of buttery apple and butterscotch characteristics, combined with a toasty French oak bouquet, and should continue to develop complexity as it ages. It can be enjoyed immediately, or held three to five years. Enjoy Ariel Chardonnay with richer seafood, veal, duck and cream pasta dishes."
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$7.95
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United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $9.00
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Producer notes: "Ariel Chardonnay, with its tropical fruit character and subtle oak from barrel aging, has a distinctive combination of buttery apple and butterscotch flavors, combined with a toasty French oak bouquet. This is a non-alcoholic wine that will continue to develop complexity as it ages. Try it with spaghetti carbonara, mango mahi-mahi, sautéed scallops, crispy duck. Less than 0.5% alcohol by volume."
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$19.95
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WS 88
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Wine Spectator: "This fresh, vibrant white delivers a tangy nectarine and white peach presence, joined by a dash of chalk and mineral. Turns elegant and subtle on the finish. Drink now through 2019. (7/31/12)"
'Best Buy,' Wine & Spirits: "A warm white with scents of toast and crushed oyster shells, this wine needs a good chill and a plate of poached prawns. (Oct 2012)"
The masterful Jim Clendenen has again created a distinctive and delicious Santa Barbara Chardonnay full of spicy pear, apples and ginger. Citrus, stone fruit, smooth and integrated flavors, creamy and tense, with apricot, apple, and lemon nuances. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak. A rich, elegant wine.
Producer notes: "Burgundian in sensibility but with California style is one way of describing Jim Clendenen's Chardonnays. Structure and restraint melded with bountiful opulence is another. In the glass, buttery brioche marries with tropical fruits in an irresistible elixir that will leave the bottle drained before you know it. Try it with turbot for a match of delicacy and richness."
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$319.95
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WA 93
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
1
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard blossoms from the glass with tangerine, lemon, spices and butter. It shows gorgeous minerality and freshness that balances some of the wine’s more overt tendencies. Crushed rocks, lemon peel and mint reappear on the textured, large-scaled finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Rich without being weighty, this offers intense smoke, spice, nectarine, peach and pear notes that are fresh and vibrant, gaining depth, ending with a citrusy aftertaste. Drink now through 2019. 660 cases made. (7/31/12)"
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$149.95
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WA 93
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard blossoms from the glass with tangerine, lemon, spices and butter. It shows gorgeous minerality and freshness that balances some of the wine’s more overt tendencies. Crushed rocks, lemon peel and mint reappear on the textured, large-scaled finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Rich without being weighty, this offers intense smoke, spice, nectarine, peach and pear notes that are fresh and vibrant, gaining depth, ending with a citrusy aftertaste. Drink now through 2019. 660 cases made. (7/31/12)"
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$89.95
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WA 92
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
5
available
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92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay Napa Valley bristles on the palate with gorgeous energy and vibrancy. Crushed rocks, lemon peel and white flowers are all very much alive in the glass. This is another of the truly intriguing wines in the range. The Napa is made from a parcel owned by Aubert that David Abreu planted six years ago with a Montrachet selection. The vines are naturally quite young, but the results are already striking. With time in the glass, the 2011 opens up beautifully, finishing with gorgeous richness and pure texture. This is a dazzling wine by any measure. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Apr 2013)"
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$129.95
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WS 95
WA 94
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
3
available
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95 points Wine Spectator: "Amazingly complex, with a rich array of fig, apricot, butterscotch, crème brûlée and roasted marshmallow notes, sailing along and gaining on the finish, where the flavors are deep and persistent. Drink now through 2019 497 cases made. (5/1/13)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is rich, fat and explosive. Butter, smoke, spices, apricots, orange blossoms, almonds, hazelnuts, and nectarines all burst from the glass. This is a decidedly extroverted, plush Chardonnay with tons of Russian River character. It has a bit more oiliness and fat than the Ritchie, and is also just as beautiful. A wine of pure richness and glycerin, the vinous, textured Eastside Vineyard will drink well right out of the gate. Vintage 2011 is the first release of the Eastside Vineyard, which previously went into the Russian River bottling. Vineyard guru Ulises Valdez planted this site with Montrachet clones. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Apr 2013)"
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$399.95
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WS 95
WA 94
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Wine Spectator: "Amazingly complex, with a rich array of fig, apricot, butterscotch, crème brûlée and roasted marshmallow notes, sailing along and gaining on the finish, where the flavors are deep and persistent. Drink now through 2019 497 cases made. (5/1/13)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is rich, fat and explosive. Butter, smoke, spices, apricots, orange blossoms, almonds, hazelnuts, and nectarines all burst from the glass. This is a decidedly extroverted, plush Chardonnay with tons of Russian River character. It has a bit more oiliness and fat than the Ritchie, and is also just as beautiful. A wine of pure richness and glycerin, the vinous, textured Eastside Vineyard will drink well right out of the gate. Vintage 2011 is the first release of the Eastside Vineyard, which previously went into the Russian River bottling. Vineyard guru Ulises Valdez planted this site with Montrachet clones. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Apr 2013)"
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$129.95
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WS 92
WA 91
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
6
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Exhibits a rich core of citrus, ripe pear, honeysuckle, hazelnut and green apple flavors, tightly wound with lively acidity and ending with a long, persistent finish and a crushed rock minerality. Drink now through 2018. 286 cases produced. (5/1/13)"
91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is the least expressive of these single-vineyard wines. Bright floral notes meld into various shades of citrus. There is plenty of polish, but the CIX doesn’t have anywhere near the level of complexity and/or nuance of the best wines in the range. Today, the CIX appears to still be somewhat of a work in progress relative to the high level that is customary throughout the rest of the range. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Apr 2013)"
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$399.95
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WS 92
WA 91
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "Exhibits a rich core of citrus, ripe pear, honeysuckle, hazelnut and green apple flavors, tightly wound with lively acidity and ending with a long, persistent finish and a crushed rock minerality. Drink now through 2018. 286 cases produced. (5/1/13)"
91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is the least expressive of these single-vineyard wines. Bright floral notes meld into various shades of citrus. There is plenty of polish, but the CIX doesn’t have anywhere near the level of complexity and/or nuance of the best wines in the range. Today, the CIX appears to still be somewhat of a work in progress relative to the high level that is customary throughout the rest of the range. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. (Apr 2013)"
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$359.95
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WA 96
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
1
available
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96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard brings together all of the elements of the house style. Layers of fruit emerge effortlessly from this textured, totally beautiful Chardonnay. Despite its richness, there is more than enough underlying minerality to buffer the fruit. This is the most nuanced and detailed of the 2010 Chardonnays from Aubert. Dried apricots, flowers and mint are some of the many notes that linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. (Feb 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Weaving together a tasty mix of smoky tangerine, nectarine, white peach and mineral flavors, this is pure, focused and persistent, elegant and detailed. Shows more toasty oak on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2019. 1,098 cases made. (7/31/12)"
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$139.95
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WA 95
WS 92
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
6
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Aubert’s 2011 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard flows across the palate with hints of butter, marzipan, spices, nectarines and dried apricots. Rich, voluptuous and creamy, the 2011 is another of the more overt wines in this range. Still, there is more than enough underlying minerality to balance the fruit. The old Wente and Montrachet clones work well here, but the vines are only 12 years old, which suggests the best is still very much in the future. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019. (Apr 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Ultrarich and intense, with waves of smoke, fig, apricot and tangerine flavors, firming and narrowing on the finish. Drink now through 2018. (5/1/13)"
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$419.95
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WA 95
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Aubert’s 2011 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard flows across the palate with hints of butter, marzipan, spices, nectarines and dried apricots. Rich, voluptuous and creamy, the 2011 is another of the more overt wines in this range. Still, there is more than enough underlying minerality to balance the fruit. The old Wente and Montrachet clones work well here, but the vines are only 12 years old, which suggests the best is still very much in the future. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019. (Apr 2013)"
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$129.95
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WA 96
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
11
available
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96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is utterly magnificent. I especially like the way the 2011 is at once unbelievably rich, but not at all heavy. Yellow stone fruit, light floral honey, nectarine and almonds inform the rich, oily finish. The 100% new barrels are imperceptible. All the elements are beautifully in place in this harmonious, voluptuous Chardonnay. This is a great, great showing from Mark Aubert. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. (Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "The pure, rich smoke, fig, apricot and crème brûlée flavors are deep and persistent in this white, which is slow to open but gains depth, focus, persistence and length, ending with light toasted marshmallow. Drink now through 2018. 1,363 cases made. (5/1/13)"
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$399.95
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WA 96
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is utterly magnificent. I especially like the way the 2011 is at once unbelievably rich, but not at all heavy. Yellow stone fruit, light floral honey, nectarine and almonds inform the rich, oily finish. The 100% new barrels are imperceptible. All the elements are beautifully in place in this harmonious, voluptuous Chardonnay. This is a great, great showing from Mark Aubert. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. (Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "The pure, rich smoke, fig, apricot and crème brûlée flavors are deep and persistent in this white, which is slow to open but gains depth, focus, persistence and length, ending with light toasted marshmallow. Drink now through 2018. 1,363 cases made. (5/1/13)"
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$319.95
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WA 94
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
1
available
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94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard boasts remarkable textural depth and finesse. Rich, round and seamless, the UV-SL is all about body and endless layers of flavor. An element of salinity gives a finish laced with white flowers and citrus of considerable freshness. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "An intense if weighty white, with baked apple, piecrust, spice and honeysuckle flavors. Both bold and vibrant, this is pithy, gaining richness with fig and honeydew melon flavors. Should gain. Best from 2013 through 2022. 708 cases made. (7/31/12)"
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$139.95
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WA 95
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
6
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard emerges from a site on the Sonoma Coast seven miles from the ocean, just above Occidental. Apricots, peaches, wild flowers, nectarine and smoke are some of the multiple nuances in the glass. The UV-SL is another of the richer, more textured wines in the lineup. At the same time, the 2011 is a wine of vivid nuance, transparency and crystalline purity. Here, too, the 100% new oak barrels are totally integrated. It is so rare to find so much detail in this creamy, big Chardonnay, but it’s all there. This is another utterly impeccable wine from Mark Aubert. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. (Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Makes points of subtlety and finesse, with touches of creamy, smoky oak woven into a fabric of fresh-cut apple and pear, gaining richness and depth and ending with a long finish. Drink now through 2018. 488 cases made. (5/1/13)"
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$399.95
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WA 95
WS 93
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard emerges from a site on the Sonoma Coast seven miles from the ocean, just above Occidental. Apricots, peaches, wild flowers, nectarine and smoke are some of the multiple nuances in the glass. The UV-SL is another of the richer, more textured wines in the lineup. At the same time, the 2011 is a wine of vivid nuance, transparency and crystalline purity. Here, too, the 100% new oak barrels are totally integrated. It is so rare to find so much detail in this creamy, big Chardonnay, but it’s all there. This is another utterly impeccable wine from Mark Aubert. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. (Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Makes points of subtlety and finesse, with touches of creamy, smoky oak woven into a fabric of fresh-cut apple and pear, gaining richness and depth and ending with a long finish. Drink now through 2018. 488 cases made. (5/1/13)"
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