nice moderate aromas: grapefruit, fig and some floral. less pungent greenish notes than Marlborough. elegant flavours with a little sweetness, subtle oak, smooth texture. medium/light bodied, short finish.
pale lemon/straw yellow, clean. some tropical fruits and floral, reasonably moderate but not very clear. medium fresh acidity, but without any support to keep balance. a little bitter and hot in finish. it's not very easy to find a proper unoaked style for California Chardonnay.
typical California Chard, rich, buttery, well balanced by lemon and tropical flavours. medium bodied, restrained oak, integrated well. 3% SB add a little vibrant acidity and freshness. need more concentration.
grapefruit, citrus, subtle grass. medium/light bodied, moderate style, fresh acidity, well balanced with some creamy flavours, good weight and length. clean and pure. medium finish with slightly sweet and mineral notes. compare to NZ SB, it shows elegance with richness and complexity.
classic Pinot Noir ruby. ripe black cherry, bright acidity, smooth tannins, medium bodied. some earthy and savoury notes. a nicely balanced Pinot Noir though it's still young and fresh.
medium depth garnet, clean and even. dark plum and cassis, integrated with beautiful cedar notes. moderate and velvety tannins, slightly sweet, round, superb balance. rich flavours lingering in medium finish with some mint and oak notes. flawless under this price tag.
very enjoyable Merlot, just saw some negative notes here, I assume what I got in the cellar door was benefited from long time breathing.
2013 Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 86 Points
USA, California, North Coast, Napa County
(5/23/2015)
nice moderate aromas: grapefruit, fig and some floral. less pungent greenish notes than Marlborough. elegant flavours with a little sweetness, subtle oak, smooth texture. medium/light bodied, short finish.
Ap: 5/5; Ar: 12/15; Palate: 16/20; overall: 3+0/10
TOTAL: 86/100
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2012 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Grand Reserve 89 Points
USA, California
(5/23/2015)
rich flavours, lemon, pineapple, well integrated with buttery notes. good structure of acidity and oak, medium+ bodied, medium finish. pure and clean.
AG 88, WS 88, WE 86
Ap: 5/5; Ar: 12/15; Palate: 17/20; overall: 3+2/10
TOTAL: 89/100
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2013 Smoking Loon Chardonnay Steelbird 80 Points
USA, California
(5/29/2015)
pale lemon/straw yellow, clean. some tropical fruits and floral, reasonably moderate but not very clear. medium fresh acidity, but without any support to keep balance. a little bitter and hot in finish. it's not very easy to find a proper unoaked style for California Chardonnay.
Ap: 5/5; Ar: 10/15; Palate: 13/20; overall: 2+0/10
TOTAL: 80/100
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2013 Fess Parker Pinot Noir Parker Station 85 Points
USA, California, Central Coast
(5/30/2015)
dark berries flavours, good density, generally simple one, restrained with some earthy and herbal notes.
Ap: 4/5; Ar: 12/15; Palate: 15/20; overall: 2+2/10
TOTAL: 85/100
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