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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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$29.95
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WS 92
CGV 92
IWC 90
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $37.00
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'Highly Recommended' and 92 points Wine Spectator: "[$37 list] Delivers tiers of fig, smoke, honeydew and honeysuckle that are pure, intense and graceful. An excellent Beringer PR, a shade off the riper versions, but notably sleek, rich and layered. Drink now through 2019. (6/15/12)"
92 points California Grapevine: "Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, buttery, baked apple aroma that developed with airing; medium-full to full body; forward, fleshy, firmly structured, apple and honeydew melon flavors with undertones of creamy oak and supported by bright acidity; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. 14% alcohol... 100% barrel fermented; 100% malolactic fermentation; released February 2012. (Aug 2012)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(65% new oak; mostly from Gamble Ranch fruit): Good bright yellow. Deep aromas of apricot, pineapple, menthol and vanillin oak. Rich and creamy but with good acidity to frame the stone fruit flavors. Much more complex than the basic Napa Valley chardonnay but youthfully tight now and just starting to open. An elegant style in the context of this label. (May 2012)"
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$11.95
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United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $16.00
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Producer notes: "This chardonnay has a fresh bouquet of green apple, citrus zest, orange blossom and mineral. These refreshing aromas continue on the palate with bright tropical and citrus flavors that finish clean with balanced acidity. This crisp chardonnay makes a nice aperitif and pairs well with light seafood dishes, especially shellfish. Aged sur lie in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation."
Not yet reviewed; 2011 vintage rated 89 points by both Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Cellar, which wrote: "Green-tinged yellow. Bright, high-pitched aromas and flavors of Meyer lemon and green apple. Gains depth with air, picking up peach pit and melon nuances and finishing smooth and clinging. Talley told me that this wine was essentially the young vines from Oliver's Vineyard, with the malo blocked."
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$22.95
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WE 92
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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92 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Pretty much as good as Bjornstad’s single-vineyard bottlings. It’s opulent and creamy, with exotic tropical fruit, green apple, pear and honey flavors, elaborately oaked and spicy. Wonderful acidity gives a clean scour to all the richness. Alcohol 14.2%. (Oct 2011)"
Producer notes: "Aromas of creamy vanilla, spice and roasty, toasty creme brulee’ interweave with the rich tropical fruit qualities and then, a mineral aspect of crushed stone. The texture of the wine is rich and opulent with flavors of stone fruit of peach and apricot and vanilla custard. The richness of the wine is beautifully balanced with bright acidity and a solid structure, finally giving way to a long and persistent finish. This wine is unfiltered and unfined and may show an opaque quality, which is entirely natural. 363 cases produced."
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