Best of Varietal, Best of Class & Double Gold
- New World International Wine Competition - Feb 2018
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - Feb 2018
Gold Medal - Pacific Rim Wine Competition - April 2018
Gold Medal - Press Democrat “North Coast” Wine Challenge - April 2018
Aromatic, and beautifully balanced, has a wide array of tropical/citrus notes and maintains the PERFECT acidity and freshness so vital to great Chardonnay. Aromas of stone fruit, lemon zest and a hint of vanilla, lead to a rich and enveloping palate of lychee fruit and toasted almonds. Fermented in 34% new French oak for 9 months. Aged on the lees, and hand stirred regularly promoting depth and longevity. Really well-made wine. Load up! Perfect for summer drinking. Medium to full bodied with great length, this is early evidence that the hype about 2016 is true, and we may have another stellar vintage to look forward to. Chardonnay lovers will not want to miss this one.
Vintage: 2016
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: 100% Carneros - 76% Napa, 24% Sonoma
Harvest Date: September 2nd - October 1st, 2016
Acid: 0.62 g/100ml
pH: 3.52
Aging: Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months.
Alcohol: 14.4%
Wine Maker: Todd Graff
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
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.
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