Exceptional... A Stunning Chardonnay
Like so many of the small, family run wineries that have sprung up in Sonoma over the last decade, Peter Paul Wines started as the dream of someone with a passion for wine and a successful career in another industry, and came together as a second career for owner Peter Paul. Sourcing fruit from some of the finest vineyards in Napa And Sonoma, Peter Paul has been able to produce wonderful wines, and we were particularly impressed with one of their Chardonnay’s; when we found out we would be able to offer it for less than $30, we jumped at the chance.
The 2009 Peter Paul Mill Station Road Chardonnay, from a cool pocket of the Russian River Valley, is medium straw in color. The nose both classy and classic, with lemon, paraffin, pear, green apple, wet slate and brioche, beautifully representing both Chardonnay and the cool climate in which it was grown. The palate is rich and fruity, with melon, lime, kiwi and ripe tropical fruit flavors, underpinned by just a touch of spicy French oak. Powerful yet lively, this is a beautiful example of California Chardonnay that should please those who like richer California Chardonnay, yet without turning off those whose palate leans in a more European direction. Break out the crab cakes or lobster tail, and enjoy them with a glass of this stunning Chardonnay!
Technical Data:
Appellation: Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
100% French Oak
1000 Cases Produced
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
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.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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.
