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
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
