91 Points - Wine Enthusiast, 2016
Chardonnay is known as one of the “Noble” grape varieties, because of its ability to make stunning, age-worthy wines in Burgundy and Chablis. However, the dirty little secret of chardonnay is that the grapes themselves really don’t have that much flavor, making chardonnay incredibly dependent upon the soils in which it is grown. This is why there is so much mediocre chardonnay out in the market—when it is grown in boring soils, it produces boring wine. But when the soils are right, chardonnay can be one of the greatest wines in the world. One soil type that seems to work incredibly well with California chardonnay is found in dried out riverbed, where the abundance of small rocks in the soil provides drainage and seemingly adds complexity and depth to the wines. This is exactly the kind of soil found at the Zabala Vineyard in the Central Coast’s Arroyo Seco AVA (an appropriate name!).
Vineyard Notes
Dating back to the Spanish Land Grant, the Zabala family has been stewards of the same ranch for seven generations. The property encompasses much of the Arroyo Seco dry riverbed and is known for its windy exposure and rocky, meager soil. Vines were first planted in 1972 and the vineyard is home to many different varietals, including clone 4 of Chardonnay.
Winemaking Notes
A stellar growing season, the fruit from 2014 had an ideal, even ripening period: permitting complex flavor development without compromising acidity. The Zabala chardonnay was picked by hand on October 10th. The grapes were pressed whole-cluster and, after 2 days of cold stabilization, the juice was inoculated (prise de mousse). Racked to French oak barrels, the wine was fermented and aged for 11 months, with their lees stirred every other week.
Tasting Notes
Comprised of seven select barrels, this bottling is highlighted by its balance and verve; as creamy, rich textures are met by a focused line of acidity. Borne from the meager soil of a dried riverbed the bouquet and palate flavors tell a similar story, as classic stone-fruit, apple and pear, aromas meld with honeysuckle, orange peel, spiced creme-brulee, toasted hazelnut and mineral notes in the recesses.
OAK: French Oak, 14% New
COOPERAGE: Francois Freres (new) & Seguin Moreau
BOTTLED: July 30, 2015
ACIDITY: 0.69
pH: 3.56
ALCOHOL: 14.1%
PRODUCTION: 161 cases
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.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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