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
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.
