Four-Star Gold Medal - 2011 Orange County Wine Competition
Monterrey County, south of San Francisco is home to a huge number of vineyards, with a correspondingly huge variation in the character and quality of the grapes produced. A lot of Chardonnay is planted there, and while it is typically of decent quality, the majority ends up in larger blends, typically labeled "Central Coast." However, in the smaller sub-appellations that are dotted throughout Monterrey, some of California’s finest Chardonnay is grown by small, family-run wineries and because these AVAs tend to be less well known, they often represent great values for the quality on offer. One such AVA is Arroyo Seco, a small valley just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Here Chardonnay is planted in the rocky soils of an ancient creek bed. For some reason this type of soil just seems perfect for Chardonnay in California, and the Griva vineyard is no exception. Combined with the deft winemaking of Mercy Vineyards, the result is truly special.
Vineyard Notes
Found in the heart of the Arroyo Seco growing region, the Griva Vineyard is located in the midst of a dried riverbed. It is a place where sandy, well-drained surface soil meets hard pan subsoil just below the surface. Add to those low yielding conditions, the large river rocks that litter the surface as well as howling wind and foggy mornings and you have an ideal location for the cultivation of distinct Chardonnay grapes. Meticulously farmed by owner Michael Griva the vineyard is home to many different varietals, including the Robert Young clone of Chardonnay.
Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested on the morning of October 20, 2009. At the winery, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed, and inoculated following two days of cold stabilization. Racked to French oak barrels (55% new), the wine was fermented and aged for ten months on its lees. which were stirred weekly. The wine finished malolactic fermentation and was bottled on August 6, 2010.
Tasting Notes
The 2009 Mercy Griva Vineyard Chardonnay is straw in color with a slight green tint. The nose is loaded with tropical fruit, green apple, and lemon. The palate is soft and lush, with apple and lemon joined by baking spice, vanilla, and a chalk-like mineral component. With 55% new French Oak, lees stirring, and full malolactic fermentation this is full-steam-ahead California Chardonnay for those who like it rich and powerful, yet the unique soils of Arroyo Seco contribute a minerality that keeps things lively. Perfect for lobster, cream sauces, or roasted chicken.
Vineyards: Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: Robert Young clone
Harvest: October 20, 2009
Aging: 100% Barrel Fermented, 100% Malolactic, French Oak, 55% New
Bottled: August 6, 2010
Acidity: 0.63
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 160 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.
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.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
90 Points
Deep garnet in color, with enticing aromas of brandied cherry, lavender, and forest floor. The palate is juicy and engaging with blueberries coursing through with depth and keeps you running back for more. Pure and balanced with perfect levels of acidity with notes of salted caramel, and cocoa. It's ripe silky tannins lead to a long supple finish that just keeps on giving.
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.
This golden-hued wine sings with a cornucopia of rich fruit balanced by high-toned, vibrant acidity. It opens with concentrated aromas of Asian pear, Gravenstein apple, and honeysuckle interspersed with mineral notes of wet river rock. Fresh flavors of White peach and Asian pear mingle on the palate with a touch of lemon zest and ripe stone fruits, boasting a beautifully creamy texture and vibrant finish.
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