The initial rush of oak is a turn-off, but beyond that lies fragrant notes of orange blossoms, nectarines, and crushed sea shells. Nice acidity and a mineral-laced alcohol-tinged finish.
Sprightly and airy notes of orange blossoms, tangerines, nectarines, mango, and sea spray. Refreshing on the palate, with amazing purity and elegance. Very impressive and tied for my WOTN. 93-94 points.
Unlike the others, this was not tasted blind and had been opened the day before. Spice-laden notes of nectarines, golden apples, and pie crust. Very nice minerality and acidity. 91-92 points.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
I thought this might have been Sangiovese when I tasted it. Old world in character this wine exhibits earthy notes of dried cherries, anise, leather, and roses. Grippy on the palate with vibrant acidity. As a recently-converted Italophile, LB loved this wine. I enjoyed it too, but thought the tannins would outlive the fruit.
The nose on this wine reminds me of a bakery with notes of fresh pastry, toast, blueberries, plums, and dark chocolate. Rich and ripe on the palate but balanced by a mouthwatering acidity. 91-92 points.
Notes of tar, anise, charcuterie, black pepper, iron and lava rock. This is an art film wine to me: I can appreciate it, but I do not love it. 86-87 points.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
This wine is a monster. Intense and concentrated with notes of lava rock, creosote, black pepper, green and black olives, and black plums. 88-89 points.
This is a Suzie Wong wine: a hooker with a heart of gold. Opulent notes of black raspberries, cherries, mocha, and espresso. The palate is seductive and creamy, but the fruit is pure. Loved this wine and tied for my WOTN. 93-94 points.
Savory notes of cassis, umami, dried herbs, and crushed minerals. Mouthwatering on the palate with a balance of fruit and tannin. This wine still has years of live ahead of it.
2005 Kongsgaard Chardonnay 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
The initial rush of oak is a turn-off, but beyond that lies fragrant notes of orange blossoms, nectarines, and crushed sea shells. Nice acidity and a mineral-laced alcohol-tinged finish.
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2005 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 85 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Notes of buttered popcorn, hazelnuts, unripe pineapples, and starfruit. A bit muddled on the palate. Finishes with an oily minerality.
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2007 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Sprightly and airy notes of orange blossoms, tangerines, nectarines, mango, and sea spray. Refreshing on the palate, with amazing purity and elegance. Very impressive and tied for my WOTN. 93-94 points.
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2002 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Unlike the others, this was not tasted blind and had been opened the day before. Spice-laden notes of nectarines, golden apples, and pie crust. Very nice minerality and acidity. 91-92 points.
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