91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
91 Points - Vinous
Sierra Madre Vineyard experiences ample fog and cool breezes funneled directly from the Pacific coastline which makes for very slow ripening and well developed flavors with great depth.
Barrel fermentation and subsequent sur lie aging give this wine a rich and creamy texture. The extended ripening process delivers aromas of a ripe asian pear, wet stone and citrus that are followed by flavors of creamy vanilla, apple pie and pear. Best when served lightly chilled, this wine is smooth, luscious and eminently drinkable.
Dried lemons, poached apple, buttered toast and sandalwood converge for a classic yet expertly restrained nose on this bottling from a historic vineyard. The palate is crisp, fresh, ripe and savory all at once, presenting flavors of Asian pear, nectarine and Rainier cherry. ~ Wine Enthusiast
...offers a classic expression of this Santa Maria site in its bright orchard fruit, lemon confit and white flowers, with a hint of new French oak that adds further shades of dimension. The Sierra Madre is all about nuance, and there is plenty of that here. ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Source: 100% Sierra Madre Vineyard (Block 210)
Harvest Dates: 9/12/17
Aging: 100% barrel fermented & aged for 9 months in 30% new French oak
Cooperage: Mercurey, Boutes
Harvest Brix: 24.0
Acid: 0.786 g/100ml
pH: 3.26
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 350 cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh black currants, kirsch, and mulberries... Full-bodied, the palate delivers a firm line of grainy tannins with bold freshness to frame the muscular black fruit, finishing long and cedary.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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