92 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine
An interesting aspect of the wine industry is that people in different parts of the industry always seem to be curious about what goes on in the other parts. Winemakers envy sommeliers and buyers who get to taste so many different wines from all over the world, and sommeliers wonder what it would be like to make their own wine. While crossovers are rare, they do happen, and one advantage that the sommelier/winemaker brings to the table is an in depth knowledge of what consumers are looking for, and what will work in a restaurant setting. Today’s Heist is just such a wine, coming from Amos Cellars, which is owned by Jon McDaniel, the Wine Director at the Los Olivos Café, which was featured in the movie Sideways. Founded in 2009, Jon's goal with Amos is to create wines that pair gracefully with food, and appeal to a broad range of palates. If this 2009 Chardonnay is any indication, Jon is well on his way to meeting both goals.
The 2009 Amos "Churner" Chardonnay is from a single vineyard in the Central Coast, is light straw in color. The nose shows aromas of apple, lemon, cherry blossom, orange peel, and just a hint of vanilla. The palate starts with a burst of Key lime, followed by tropical fruit and melon flavors, anise, Granny Smith apple, and slate. Bright fruit and refreshing acidity carry through on the finish, with the wine gaining weight and complexity in the mouth, yielding a wonderfully rich, lasting impression. This will appeal equally well to those who like rich California Chardonnay in the Napa tradition, and those who prefer the more balanced approach that is often compared to White Burgundy. Don’t miss out on this first release from an exciting new producer!
Vintage: 2009
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appelation: Central Coast
Wine Making: 100% Barrel Fermented, 25% New French Oak, Whole cluster pressed. Fermented with native yeast during primary and secondary fermentation
Aged: Sur Lees for 10 months until blending. Barrel aged for 30 months in neutral French Oak
pH: 3.36,
TA: 7.5 g/L,
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 75 cases
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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