April 11, 2015 - Canned mixed fruits and creme brulee notes on the nose are just fabulous. Pineapple, mango, pear, and some white pepper notes are quite pleasing, although the palate is not up to par with the nose due to a hint of bitterness.
14.1% alc
February 7, 2014 - Golden color belied its age but the wine itself still had vestiges of vigor. Toasty nose with baking spices and brioche. There is still a hint of acidity on the palate which is not heavy despite the 14%, just pleasantly evolved in a butterscotch, toasty way from the oak aging. The richness allows it to be paired to some spices such as cumin with which it worked well. Impressive for a warm climate Chardonnay.
January 3, 2014 - This was the wine of the night! We opened a 1.5L expecting the Ovation to be past its prime. We were blown away by this burgundian style chardonnay. Beautiful fruit on the nose, and a little smoke/earth. Perfectly balanced with a long finish. Light, white fruits and flowers and a rich mouthfeel. This was one of the finest CA Chards that I have ever tasted.
September 21, 2009 - Still very good. Lots of sugar. Good oak. Thought would be too old. But still nice. Always loved this wine.
July 2, 2006 - Bottle drank well, good fruit, a little too much oak.
September 4, 2005 - This is really drinking well! Nice balance, nice chardonnay character. Great wine for those who love the larger, oakier style of the wine.
September 5, 2003 - Tasted next to the 2000 which I liked slightly better. I thought this was watery and thin tasting for a Cal Chard. It had a petrol nose and some heat on the finish. Rather spicy in the midpalate. 84.