EXCEPTIONAL WINE - A World-Class Vineyard
Lately it seems that each 2007 California wine that we taste reaffirms the fact that this was a sensational vintage, for seemingly every region and every variety. Today we turn to a 2007 Chardonnay from Sand Hill Wines, from the folks who actually own Durell Vineyard, only one of California’s greatest Chardonnay vineyards. After watching wineries like Kistler garner hugely favorable reviews for their Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, it was only natural for vineyard owner Ellie Phipps Price and vineyard manager Steve Hill to begin making wine under their own label, Sand Hill. We are thrilled to have been able to secure a small allocation of their 2007 Chardonnay, which aptly shows the magnificence of this superb vineyard.
The 2007 Sand Hill Wines Durell Vineyard Chardonnay is medium gold in color. The nose shows aromas of peach and cantaloupe, typical of Chardonnay, along with an enticing floral, even rose-petal aroma that seems to be particular to the Durell Vineyard—a lovely expression of this vineyard’s unique character. The palate is full, intense, and rich with apple, cinnamon, and baking spice. Fermentation and aging in French oak, along with plenty of lees stirring rounds out the palate, while good acidity keeps it in balance. This is a lovely glass of wine on its own, but it is elevated to an even higher level with a sharp, salty cheese like Asiago or Parmesan. With Durell Vineyard Chardonnays commanding as much as $75, this is an amazing opportunity to try this world-class vineyard for just $32!
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Durell Vineyard
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
