The Carneros appellation, which straddles the Southern tip of both Napa and Sonoma, has long been known for producing excellent pinot noir and sparkling wine. While it seldom says so on the label, many of these sparkling wines contain a large proportion of chardonnay, which demonstrates that this area is capable of making wonderful chardonnay. Thanks to the cool air and fog coming off of the San Pablo Bay, Chardonnay from this region benefits from a long growing season, and develops flavors without reaching the excessive alcohol levels found in some warmer climate California Chardonnay. Today’s Heist, from Trinitas Cellars, is an excellent example of a chardonnay that is still made in the big, rich California style so many of us love, yet manages to stay balanced and fresh.
The 2009 Trinitas Cellars Reserve Chardonnay is a dark straw color. The nose offers a lovely juxtaposition of chardonnay aromas characteristic of both warmer sites, like lemon and baked apple, and cooler sites such as hay and paraffin. The palate is classic California, with apple, peach, and some toasty, buttery notes from aging in French oak barrels. This is a full-bodied wine perfect for fans looking for rich California Chardonnay at a much more reasonable price point. It will pair beautifully with lobster, pasta with cream sauce, or soft ripe cheese. A perfect white for brisk fall evenings!
Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.4%
Aging: 100% barrel fermented; sur lie aged, 100% malolactic fermentation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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