92 Points - Wines & Spirits
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
90 Points - Wine Spectator
The Wine: This limited production, elegant Chardonnay harkens back to an earlier style of Chardonnay, showcasing fresh, bright, juicy flavors of a crisp apple and pear, driven by refreshing acidity. This is the perfect paring with smoked salmon, crispy crab cakes or chicken Dijon.
Vintage: For the third year in a row Napa Valley experienced an exceptional vintage, aided by near drought conditions. Bud break came slight early and the modest temperatures through the growing season helped preserve moisture. July's relatively low temperatures coupled with high relative humidity slowed down sugar accumulation to achieve perfect ripeness with lower alcohol. Harvest started and ended about two weeks earlier than normal, producing superb quality
Vineyard: Chardonnay thrives in our Carneros Vineyard in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. All of our vineyards are certified organic and we farm them naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appelation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 29 - Sept. 9, 2014
Sugar: 23.1 degrees Brix
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.23
Aging: Fermented French oak, aged 10 months, 70% new, 30% neutral
Bottling date: December 15, 2015
Release date: February 1, 2017
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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