92 Points, James Suckling
Hard to resist now and will be rewarded with additional cellar aging.
VINEYARDS
From the coolest pockets spanning the Russian River Valley, each site experiences its own distinct microclimate. Low-laying fog in the morning with ample sun exposure in the afternoon, and cool evening breezes help develop complex fruit profiles while maintaining ample acidity.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented and aged exclusively in concrete eggs. Gently whole cluster pressed, cold-settled for two days, with only native yeast fermentation. The wine was then racked into vessels and aged on the lees for 6 months.
VINTAGE
A winter abundant in rain and cool temperatures led to late budbreak and a temperate spring. Moderate temperatures throughout the summer, with few heat spikes allowed for even ripening with higher-than-average yields. This long growing season resulted in ideal phenolic ripeness, with the fruit retaining its natural acidity, while developing incredible concentration.
Vintage: 2023
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 100% Concrete egg
Brix: 22.8
pH: 3.3
TA: 6.2 g/L
Release Date: June 2024
Alcohol: 13.5%
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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