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
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
