From a batch of bottles misprinted with the 2010 Riesling labels but in standard S-M Chardonnay bottle shape. After waiting 30 minutes for some reduction to lighten up this was in very fine form. Tasted blind I don't think I would ever place this as Napa Valley. To me, this is near-prototypical White Burgundy from the post Premox era where wines tend to get a heavier dose of sulfur before bottling . Flinty citrus fruits give way to some zestier fruit and warmth on the finish. If you are a Cali chard fan this might not be very enjoyable at first blush but it's worth the experience IMO. Based on my bottle, this 2010 has years of life ahead of it.
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Rich, full bodied chardonnay. Big nose of peach, apricot, orange peel, wood and a hint of smoke. Full mouthfeel with flavors of pear, peach, vanilla and cream. Mineral and slight heat on the finish. Mature and ready to drink with little benefit from further cellaring. A real treat!
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24k gold color. Overripe citrus, primarily orange, with honey, peaches, pears and flowers. Just the right amount of Oak. Still in its drinking window but on the back side.
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Consistent with previous notes - still very concentrated, explosive yellow fruit, and a lasting finish - but overall the frame seemed slightly more tired than previous bottles. Might want to drink sooner rather than latter.
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Our last bottle -- the color has darkened to honey gold, with hints of baked apple and light honey on the palate with a very light citrus on finish. We drank with roast chicken and risotto. Very nice. Drink now.
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Very crisp with a penetrating and concentrated burst of juicy pineapple, lemon curd, and butterscotch on the palate. The finish just lingers for almost a good minute. Seems to be coming into a nice drinking window now.
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medium weight. white pepper, some sulfur, caramel/hazelnut... golden color belies a too-prominent sherry/oxidative characteristic that, 3-4 sips into this, is dominant.
drinkable but - either the bottle was flawed and shouldn't have been so golden/nutty/caramel, or it's just not my style.
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Very pronounced notes of sweet yellow fruit - tangy pineapple, bananas, ripe lemons, and even some candied almonds - with a firm frame. Lovely this evening with King Salmon.
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A touch heavy handed with the alcohol but otherwise a phenomenal burgundian-styled chardonnay from my favorite winemaker on Spring Mountain. Rich golden color. Flowery aromas with some flinty reduction at first, which makes way for tropical/citrus notes. Drink now or hold.
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A well rounded Chardonnay. Some tropical fruit, minerals, vanilla Oak, hints of butter/creame but modest acidity. Seemingly at peak but I wouldn't be surprised if it lasted another 2-3 years.
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Drinking delicious right now. More fruit and less oak than the 2009, and much more approachable then last summer. Shared with neighbors at our summer block party.
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Open this one ahead of time to breath. It got much better with time. Best served in a Riedel Chablis glass which showed the citrus and steely side better than a Riedel Montrachet glass. Extremely enjoyable chardonnay with slight oak notes, but a great lemon curd with a hint of a sweet Brule and a nice mouth watering finish. Great QPR at $30.00.
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Crisp, tropical flavors, nectar-like without sweetness. Well-balanced with a touch of mineraltiy. Enough acid to stand up to lots of different foods. Really nice Chard. Still agree with my 9/13/13 note, maybe has lost just a touch of robustness.
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Opened for dinner with grilled swordfish. Soft gold color. Aromas of lime, slate, brown sugar, vanilla cream. Bright on the palate, with ample notes of citrus zest, pineapple, and sweet spice, along with layered earthy mineral flavors throughout. Fleshy, bright, finely tuned, finishing full.
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Big and gutsy and mineral chardonnay. The way it should be. Lasting mineral finish that is, of course, massively viscous but also with tons of mineral and smoke. This is well done.
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Little nose, which was odd. Taste was very good, robust fruit forward- candied pineapple that gives it a sweet and sour taste, good hint of oak. All well-integrated, not overly-oaked. Very elegant, not whimpy Chard.
Might be better in a year or two.
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Pale straw color. Nose brings musty earth, lime peels, and zesty apricots. Palate initially hit with a super tart bite, almost like an oxidized white Rioja, but settled down over a few hours with food. Very tight, compact palate brings scattered notes of a Hawaiin fruit basket: bananas, pineapples, mangos, and some lime and lemon rinds. Mineral undertow emerges with air and food, leaving a creamy, slightly oaky, banana-pineapple tangy finish that goes for 30-seconds plus. Seriously, this is one off the best Chards I've ever had from anywhere, only it's still 3-5 years from being ready to drink. Paired with mixed fish tacos, spicy pico de gallo, chowder, and salad. Hold until after 2015 or decant in the fridge for 3+hours.
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Napa Valley mountain winery visits- 4/25/13: Showing aromas of slate, stone fruit and citrus zest. Balanced and rich on the palate with notes of bright citrus along with butterscotch and hints of vanilla. Rich and silky with a full finish. Very nice.
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The fruit smells honeyed and rich, yet these shaved lime peel, sea shell and peanut brittle notes demand attention as well. It all combines in a beautiful aromatic display. This chardonnay introduces itself by barging through the door, with pineapple, melon, honey, and mixed nuts from the oak. (It spends 8 months in 100% new French oak). But it’s still bright from the acid, which is crucial to have in wines with this kind of intensity. Orange peel, seashell, caramel and hazelnut linger long onto the finish. A brave wine that challenges — and rewards — my palate.
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Taste of Smith Madrone: Pale golden yellow color with citrus, peach, spiced oak and a kiss of butterscotch aromas. On the palate it's medium-bodied, and balanced with vibrant acidity, and peach, lemon, guava, mineral and vanilla flavors. Medium-long finish. 100% Chardonnay, barrel-fermented in 100% new French oak. Retail - $30; 703 cases produced.
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Truly a fantastic Chard! Classic Burgundian funky nose leads the way to a full scale palette assault of creaminess, full fruit and great acidity and balance. At $30, need to find me a case.
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4/16/2020 - d'Yquembe Mutombo wrote: 89 Points
From a batch of bottles misprinted with the 2010 Riesling labels but in standard S-M Chardonnay bottle shape. After waiting 30 minutes for some reduction to lighten up this was in very fine form. Tasted blind I don't think I would ever place this as Napa Valley. To me, this is near-prototypical White Burgundy from the post Premox era where wines tend to get a heavier dose of sulfur before bottling . Flinty citrus fruits give way to some zestier fruit and warmth on the finish. If you are a Cali chard fan this might not be very enjoyable at first blush but it's worth the experience IMO. Based on my bottle, this 2010 has years of life ahead of it.
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9/6/2019 - RedWineLover66 wrote: 80 Points
Way past it’s prime. Hopefully you drank it already
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7/25/2017 - Tahlequahdave1972 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Rich, full bodied chardonnay. Big nose of peach, apricot, orange peel, wood and a hint of smoke. Full mouthfeel with flavors of pear, peach, vanilla and cream. Mineral and slight heat on the finish. Mature and ready to drink with little benefit from further cellaring. A real treat!
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12/25/2016 - jlhkiss wrote: flawed
Second bottle in a row where this was flawed. I highly doubt this wine is "over the hill" but it sure tasted like it.
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11/18/2016 - jlhkiss wrote: flawed
Corked.
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6/10/2016 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 91 Points
24k gold color. Overripe citrus, primarily orange, with honey, peaches, pears and flowers. Just the right amount of Oak. Still in its drinking window but on the back side.
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3/24/2016 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes - still very concentrated, explosive yellow fruit, and a lasting finish - but overall the frame seemed slightly more tired than previous bottles. Might want to drink sooner rather than latter.
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3/12/2016 - StarM wrote: 91 Points
Our last bottle -- the color has darkened to honey gold, with hints of baked apple and light honey on the palate with a very light citrus on finish. We drank with roast chicken and risotto. Very nice. Drink now.
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7/16/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very crisp with a penetrating and concentrated burst of juicy pineapple, lemon curd, and butterscotch on the palate. The finish just lingers for almost a good minute. Seems to be coming into a nice drinking window now.
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6/19/2015 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Classic Cali Chard with big butter, but fortunately not too much Oak. Smooth with sweet citrus and some pear notes.
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5/22/2015 - Jahull03 wrote:
medium weight. white pepper, some sulfur, caramel/hazelnut... golden color belies a too-prominent sherry/oxidative characteristic that, 3-4 sips into this, is dominant.
drinkable but - either the bottle was flawed and shouldn't have been so golden/nutty/caramel, or it's just not my style.
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5/10/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very pronounced notes of sweet yellow fruit - tangy pineapple, bananas, ripe lemons, and even some candied almonds - with a firm frame. Lovely this evening with King Salmon.
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3/8/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Started to really mellow out after a 2-3 hour decant, but best years are still ahead. Drink 2016-2024.
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3/1/2015 - d'Yquembe Mutombo wrote:
A touch heavy handed with the alcohol but otherwise a phenomenal burgundian-styled chardonnay from my favorite winemaker on Spring Mountain. Rich golden color. Flowery aromas with some flinty reduction at first, which makes way for tropical/citrus notes. Drink now or hold.
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1/12/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Was a little steely tonight but we drank quickly out of the fridge. This needs time and air and food to really sing.
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9/16/2014 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 92 Points
A well rounded Chardonnay. Some tropical fruit, minerals, vanilla Oak, hints of butter/creame but modest acidity. Seemingly at peak but I wouldn't be surprised if it lasted another 2-3 years.
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8/13/2014 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still young, but good yellow fruit, zest, tart, minerals, and oak/vanilla.
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8/5/2014 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking delicious right now. More fruit and less oak than the 2009, and much more approachable then last summer. Shared with neighbors at our summer block party.
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4/28/2014 - suburbanfrog Likes this wine: 92 Points
Open this one ahead of time to breath. It got much better with time. Best served in a Riedel Chablis glass which showed the citrus and steely side better than a Riedel Montrachet glass. Extremely enjoyable chardonnay with slight oak notes, but a great lemon curd with a hint of a sweet Brule and a nice mouth watering finish. Great QPR at $30.00.
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4/20/2014 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 90 Points
Crisp, tropical flavors, nectar-like without sweetness. Well-balanced with a touch of mineraltiy. Enough acid to stand up to lots of different foods. Really nice Chard. Still agree with my 9/13/13 note, maybe has lost just a touch of robustness.
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1/16/2014 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Big, rich, full, well made and desirable.
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1/11/2014 - MattMauldin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened for dinner with grilled swordfish. Soft gold color. Aromas of lime, slate, brown sugar, vanilla cream. Bright on the palate, with ample notes of citrus zest, pineapple, and sweet spice, along with layered earthy mineral flavors throughout. Fleshy, bright, finely tuned, finishing full.
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10/23/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Big and gutsy and mineral chardonnay. The way it should be. Lasting mineral finish that is, of course, massively viscous but also with tons of mineral and smoke. This is well done.
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10/18/2013 - jmull Likes this wine:
Consistent with earlier bottle. (90-91)
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9/15/2013 - SMZ wrote: 91 Points
Totally agree with jmull. For the price, this is one of the better Chard buys out there
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9/15/2013 - jmull Likes this wine: 90 Points
Classic, rich California Chardonnay. Just enough oak to frame the ample fruit. Feels like it could improve with age, too. 90+
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9/13/2013 - Z1nnfull wrote: 91 Points
Little nose, which was odd. Taste was very good, robust fruit forward- candied pineapple that gives it a sweet and sour taste, good hint of oak. All well-integrated, not overly-oaked. Very elegant, not whimpy Chard.
Might be better in a year or two.
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8/23/2013 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pale straw color. Nose brings musty earth, lime peels, and zesty apricots. Palate initially hit with a super tart bite, almost like an oxidized white Rioja, but settled down over a few hours with food. Very tight, compact palate brings scattered notes of a Hawaiin fruit basket: bananas, pineapples, mangos, and some lime and lemon rinds. Mineral undertow emerges with air and food, leaving a creamy, slightly oaky, banana-pineapple tangy finish that goes for 30-seconds plus. Seriously, this is one off the best Chards I've ever had from anywhere, only it's still 3-5 years from being ready to drink. Paired with mixed fish tacos, spicy pico de gallo, chowder, and salad. Hold until after 2015 or decant in the fridge for 3+hours.
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7/14/2013 - petenich Likes this wine:
Super rich Napa chardonnay. See how it is again in 6 months.
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6/15/2013 - Spl232 wrote: 92 Points
What's not to love. Lively, Burgundian-style Chard. Well done.
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5/5/2013 - MattMauldin wrote: 91 Points
Napa Valley mountain winery visits- 4/25/13: Showing aromas of slate, stone fruit and citrus zest. Balanced and rich on the palate with notes of bright citrus along with butterscotch and hints of vanilla. Rich and silky with a full finish. Very nice.
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4/11/2013 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 92 Points
The fruit smells honeyed and rich, yet these shaved lime peel, sea shell and peanut brittle notes demand attention as well. It all combines in a beautiful aromatic display. This chardonnay introduces itself by barging through the door, with pineapple, melon, honey, and mixed nuts from the oak. (It spends 8 months in 100% new French oak). But it’s still bright from the acid, which is crucial to have in wines with this kind of intensity. Orange peel, seashell, caramel and hazelnut linger long onto the finish. A brave wine that challenges — and rewards — my palate.
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4/1/2013 - ljl203 wrote:
Love this wine. Lemon-lime pie.
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3/30/2013 - Martin Redmond Likes this wine: 90 Points
Taste of Smith Madrone: Pale golden yellow color with citrus, peach, spiced oak and a kiss of butterscotch aromas. On the palate it's medium-bodied, and balanced with vibrant acidity, and peach, lemon, guava, mineral and vanilla flavors. Medium-long finish. 100% Chardonnay, barrel-fermented in 100% new French oak. Retail - $30; 703 cases produced.
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1/21/2013 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 95 Points
Truly a fantastic Chard! Classic Burgundian funky nose leads the way to a full scale palette assault of creaminess, full fruit and great acidity and balance. At $30, need to find me a case.
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1/12/2013 - ljl203 wrote: 91 Points
Pale straw color. Austere style, no oak or butter. Just lemon oil with some gravel.
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