Gold Medal - Grand Harvest Awards
California Chardonnay as taken a beating from some in the wine press over the last few years, as the once popular rich, buttery, full-bodied wines people came to expect fell out of favor. While Chardonnay can certainly be produced this way, and still is by some, Chardonnay is a wonderfully diverse grape, capable of many different styles of wine, and it really shines when made in cooler climates with a more restrained touch, allowing mineral accents and good acidity to lift the juicy fruit flavors. Sonoma’s Russian River Valley is just such a cooler climate, and is home to some wonderful Chardonnay.
Today’s Heist features Athair Winery’s 2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Athair is a relatively new, small family owned operation, crafting wines from all over Sonoma County. The 2008 Chardonnay is pale straw in color, very light for a Chardonnay. The nose offers fresh pear and green apple, with just a hint of toasty oak from the 25% new wood used. While un-oaked Chardonnay is gaining in popularity, Chardonny does well with a little bit of wood to add an extra dimension of flavor. The palate is very intense, with complex flavors of apple, citrus, melon, lemon, peach and slate. This wine has great varietal character, with Chardonnay’s exuberant fruit allowed to shine, and good acidity to maintain balance and ease pairing with food. Perfect as a light summer sipper, or with milder cheese like Brie or Camembert, this is one to stock up on for the warm weather!
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
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.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
PDF