93 Points, Gold Medal - Beverage Testing Institute
As we develop deeper relationships with high quality producers in California who are turning out great wines at great prices, certain wineries jump out as consistently delivering incredible value across a range of wines. One of these is certainly the second label produced by Azari Vineyards Estate, where they turn out stellar wines.
Chardonnay is arguably the world’s most famous white variety, thanks to its success in France’s Burgundy region as well as throughout much of California. Some of the most renowned examples of Chardonnay are sourced from small vineyards along the Sonoma Coast. This exceptional version is made by the Azari Vineyards Estate under their Corkscrew label. Enjoy the same quality at nearly half of what you would pay for their flagship brand.
The 2014 Corkscrew Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is light gold in color with aromas of roasted nuts, grilled apples, pineapple, brown butter, delicate spice with a satiny dry, yet fruity palate. A lush medium to full body texture, with caramelized citrus, vanilla toffee, delicate spice, and generous oak on the finish.
This is Big Chardonnay with lots of tangy fruit, complimentary spice, and a nice toasty oak finish. Enjoy with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal and pasta dishes.
VARIETAL: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap
SUGAR AT HARVEST: 23 degrees Brix average
AGING COOPERAGE: 10 months, 30% new French oak
ALCOHOL: 13.7% by volume
WINERY RETAIL: $30 per 750ml bottle
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
