Can't say that I've had an 8 yr old California Chardonnay before...this wine is 13.6% abv, and is a medium golden-yellow color, showing some nice sign of age. On the fragrant nose, I immediately notice tangy lemon drops, vanilla extract, and a sort of tense pine resin quality in the upper register. Complex nose, with a bit of spiciness noted. In the mouth, this wine is medium in body, showing a nice acid profile with notes of green apple and citrus fruit flavors, fading into a supple finish supported by silky tannins, and a bit too much wood coming through on the medium length finish. This wine will probably continue to drink well (to my amazement) for another 3+ years. A very nice wine, and a pleasant surprise.
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I was very lucky to have people pour *very* fancy Burgundy for me today so I may be scoring this wine lower than it deserves... 1er Cru Chablis and top notch Macon were in the glass prior to this:
Mace, fenugreek, and baked white bread and white grape fruits on the nose. Creme fraiche and passion fruit on the palate. The finish is fresh yellow butter, wet pine wood, and a single grain of popcorn salt.
The real secret here is that Dutton-Goldfield made some really serious Chardonnay and I was lucky enough to taste it with about 5 years of age on it so it is soft and full-bodied right now.
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I don't have notes on this but remember that it compared very positively with a different prestige white. This was a very bright and tasty wine, the major flaw I remember was too heavy oak, but this will probably lighten up with cellar age. I'll wait a year for my next bottle.
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Hans tasting: Golden yellow color. Very nice balanced Chard. Lemon meringue all over the place. The oak, adding creaminess and texture, is nicely balanced with the acidity, which keeps the flavors moving along and keeps the wine lean. Very enjoyable fruit. An excellent Cali Chard. 92-93
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Hans Krueger Selections Tasting (The Jug): Buttered toast, spicy oak, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is soft, moderately creamy, with oak spice, vanilla and pears, and lemon curd. Very long, intense, almost rich finish with soft acidity, yet balanced. Very well made domestic Chard. Tiny production too. I believe only 18 barrels were made. Very fortunate to have been able to try this.
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Spicy oak, nice fruit. Some minerality. NIce long finish. This is a special wine, which deserves more attention the I was able to give it at this tasting. 1st Friday
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5/30/2012 - drrobvino wrote: 91 Points
Can't say that I've had an 8 yr old California Chardonnay before...this wine is 13.6% abv, and is a medium golden-yellow color, showing some nice sign of age. On the fragrant nose, I immediately notice tangy lemon drops, vanilla extract, and a sort of tense pine resin quality in the upper register. Complex nose, with a bit of spiciness noted. In the mouth, this wine is medium in body, showing a nice acid profile with notes of green apple and citrus fruit flavors, fading into a supple finish supported by silky tannins, and a bit too much wood coming through on the medium length finish. This wine will probably continue to drink well (to my amazement) for another 3+ years. A very nice wine, and a pleasant surprise.
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1/14/2010 - Cole wrote: 92 Points
I was very lucky to have people pour *very* fancy Burgundy for me today so I may be scoring this wine lower than it deserves... 1er Cru Chablis and top notch Macon were in the glass prior to this:
Mace, fenugreek, and baked white bread and white grape fruits on the nose. Creme fraiche and passion fruit on the palate. The finish is fresh yellow butter, wet pine wood, and a single grain of popcorn salt.
The real secret here is that Dutton-Goldfield made some really serious Chardonnay and I was lucky enough to taste it with about 5 years of age on it so it is soft and full-bodied right now.
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5/26/2008 - zheem wrote:
Sorry to see this last bottle go. Drinking very well now--oak is well integrated and flavors are all balanced with acidity.
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3/15/2008 - biegs wrote: 93 Points
This had a very nice nose and a smooth and long finish. Creamy with nice fruit. Drinking very well right now.
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1/17/2007 - zheem wrote:
I don't have notes on this but remember that it compared very positively with a different prestige white. This was a very bright and tasty wine, the major flaw I remember was too heavy oak, but this will probably lighten up with cellar age. I'll wait a year for my next bottle.
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12/14/2006 - hutch wrote: 93 Points
Hans tasting: Golden yellow color. Very nice balanced Chard. Lemon meringue all over the place. The oak, adding creaminess and texture, is nicely balanced with the acidity, which keeps the flavors moving along and keeps the wine lean. Very enjoyable fruit. An excellent Cali Chard. 92-93
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12/14/2006 - jjclips2 wrote: 88 Points
Hans Krueger Selections Tasting (The Jug): Buttered toast, spicy oak, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is soft, moderately creamy, with oak spice, vanilla and pears, and lemon curd. Very long, intense, almost rich finish with soft acidity, yet balanced. Very well made domestic Chard. Tiny production too. I believe only 18 barrels were made. Very fortunate to have been able to try this.
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9/8/2006 - hutch wrote:
Spicy oak, nice fruit. Some minerality. NIce long finish. This is a special wine, which deserves more attention the I was able to give it at this tasting. 1st Friday
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