Blind California Whites

Tasted Sunday, July 5, 2015 by isaacjamesbaker with 319 views

Introduction

Mostly Chards, with a few other random wines mixed in, tasted single blind.

Flight 1 (8 Notes)

  • 2014 J. Wilkes Pinot Blanc 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

    Medium yellow color. Floral elements mix with green and yellow pears and apples, honeycomb and raw almond. Medium+ bodied, medium acid, the apple, pear and orange fruit is creamy but maintains a tart edge. Creamy elements of whipped honey and floral tea add some complexity. Richness from the almond and peanut brittle, and the full texture, but stays quite balanced.

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  • 2013 Magnolia Court Chardonnay 86 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    Light gold color. Tropical mix on the nose (papaya, green apple, lime) some green herbs, a kind of cotton candy and clean laundry element. A bold, waxy presence on the palate, some moderate acid. The flavors of baked pear, green and yellow apples and apricots mix with notes of toasted nuts, marshmallow, but also some chalk and mountain stream elements. Rich and attractive yet held together well. Surprised for the price.

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  • 2013 Tom Gore Vineyards Chardonnay 86 Points

    USA, California

    Light gold color. Smells rich with, melon and yellow apple glazed with honey and apricot jam, some peanut shell and hazelnut. Creamy body, quite rich, but some medium acid to keep it in tempered. Rich yellow apple, apricot and peaches, but some lime drizzled on top. Honey, candied pecans, peanut shells. Rich and yummy, showing a bit of brightness though.

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  • 2013 J. Wilkes Chardonnay 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

    Light gold color. Green and yellow apples on the nose, some richer notes of melon, white peach, white flowers and honeyed tea. Richly textured, a creamy wine but some medium acid. A bold presence of fruit (apricot, apple sauce, orange marmalade), some nutmeg, hazelnut and caramel corn elements, hints of white tea and honeysuckle as well. A richer style wine with lots of flavor yet stays relatively fresh.

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  • 2012 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay Cuvée Sauvage 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Bright gold color. Great combination of bright lime, green apple and wildflowers with richer elements of bruised yellow apple, pineapple cake and toasted bread. Juicy but bold texture, medium acid. I get lots of yellow apple, apricot and yellow pear, a bit of lime juice mixed in. Lots of honey butter, toasted almond, hints of vanilla, spiced applesauce, this is quite oaky yet it maintains nuance and cleanliness throughout. Complex and attractive in spite, but also because of, it’s bold approach. Aged 14 months in 94% new French oak.

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  • 2013 Mercy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 85 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco

    Very pale straw color. Nose of grapefruit, white peach, some baby’s breath and apple core notes, hint of white pepper. Creamy body, medium acid, a bright but tropical appeal with notes of white peach, papaya, pineapple chunks and apricot jam. Some dried honey notes and a hint of nettle, white pepper and dandelion as well.

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  • 2013 Tolosa Winery Chardonnay Edna Ranch 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

    Light gold color. Nose of golden apples, yellow pears, orange rind, some chalky and salty elements back up against the nutshell and nougat. Full-bodied, creamy, medium acid, lots of yellow apples and pears, some juicy apricot and orange marmalade notes. Notes of toasted bagel, buttercream, vanilla and hazelnut, but stays lively and fresh despite the richness. This Chardonnay walks the line well. 35% new French oak barrels.

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  • 2013 Mercy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Zabala Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco

    Light gold color. Hugely aromatic, showing grass, jalapeno and white pepper on top of white peach, green apple slices, white flowers, some richer honeyed notes but very bright overall. Zesty acid and a moderately creamy body set the tone for white peaches, green apples and lime. Very bright approach, racy stuff, some richer notes of honeycomb and papaya, hints of seashells and chalk. Moderate complexity, bold but maintains freshness.

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