December 13, 2019 - Oxidized
September 8, 2018 - A rather distinctive chardonnay with strong acidity and mouth puckering sour-sweet lemon flavors, almost like a sour patch kid. A nicely persistent finish lingers after you taste. Wasn't getting too much aromatically. Enjoyed this wine and was rather surprised by it, as I expected something more mellow at 7 years old.
June 14, 2017 - PopnPour, tasted over 2 hrs
-translucent light gold
-muted nose begrudgingly yields some sweet lemon
-initial soft entry hides the searing acidity that zooms in near the finish, med- weight fresh lean minerality and sweet lemon remnants, good length
-lively lean minerally fresh high acid old world styled - could be mistaken for Chablis, drinking very well now - this may or may not get more interesting with development of mature elements
February 25, 2017 - PnP. Better than the last bottle. Has matured to a place where it has weight (?!?!) to combine with the wonderful lift. 12.7%
June 9, 2016 - PnP. Superb lift and minerality. Has at least 3 more years. 12.7%
April 2, 2016 - Wow. Wow. Wow. Not what I was expecting. I purchased a few bottles of A-R a few years ago and didn't fall in love but this was my first chardonnay. I'm a bit of an acid-head so this wine was right in my wheelhouse. Probably the most acid-driven chard I have had and definitely not the typical Cali chard. Lemony and tart, it reminds me of Chablis in a cool vintage but still has a clear terroir of Santa Cruz. Great balance. Love it.
December 28, 2015 - No detailed notes, but more integrated, not as bracing, as the bottle I had a few years ago. Burgundian in character.
December 22, 2015 - Taster below nailed it. Zesty citrus lemon lime. Acid almost searing but there is enough fruit and mostly minerality to keep it from being over the top. The most chablisienne ca chard you will find.
September 17, 2015 - This is, by far, one of the best Chardonnay's I've had from California. Great acidity, lots of lemon, little oak. If you like big California Chardonnay, you will NOT like this. It is definitely in the style of a French Chablis.
June 24, 2015 - Bright and lively. Zesty lemon with a mildly buttery tone to it. Well done on the acidity front--mouthwatering. Everything is in balance. If it were more complex it would deserve to be compared to a fine Chablis. Excellent.