Retail $35. I have lamented the demise of Clos Pepe innumerable times here on this blog, so pulling this cork was difficult. Since Clos Pepe has ceased to exist, this bottle of Chardonnay is an endangered species, and this is the last 2008 in my possession. A bit dark in color with lemon rind and celery root (?) lead to a surprisingly still fruity wine with lemon curd and citrus a-go-go. Even a slight bit of petrol, which surprised me for a Chardonnay. Close to a Whoa. 92. thedrunkencyclist.com
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I pulled this out and served it blind to a few guests and the consensus was that it was an older Chablis. How could I argue? Reserved nose of lemon curd and a hint of spice. On the palate? Whoa. Bright, focused, and incredible. The winemaker, Wes Hagen, always said that the Sta Rita Hills AVA was more aligned to Chardonnay than Pinot. Tasting this wine? Hard to argue. Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
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Drank alongside the 09 chard. This was excellent, prefered by all at the table and I think perhaps the best chard I have ever had of Wes'. Beautiful tropical fruit and roasted almonds on the nose with a nice whiff of salty minerals. Much more structured on the palate, with lovely white pears and white thompson grape flavors leading to a bone dry acid filled finish. In a great place, no sign of decline, but I'm not sure it is going to get better.
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Yellow/green/gray. Clean, pure, citrus and sun baked rocks, herbs. Great acid. Rockin' on this 100? day. Beautiful citrus and floral thing. Can I buy more?
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4/21/2019 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 92 Points
Retail $35. I have lamented the demise of Clos Pepe innumerable times here on this blog, so pulling this cork was difficult. Since Clos Pepe has ceased to exist, this bottle of Chardonnay is an endangered species, and this is the last 2008 in my possession. A bit dark in color with lemon rind and celery root (?) lead to a surprisingly still fruity wine with lemon curd and citrus a-go-go. Even a slight bit of petrol, which surprised me for a Chardonnay. Close to a Whoa. 92. thedrunkencyclist.com
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5/9/2016 - The Drunken Cyclist wrote: 93 Points
I pulled this out and served it blind to a few guests and the consensus was that it was an older Chablis. How could I argue? Reserved nose of lemon curd and a hint of spice. On the palate? Whoa. Bright, focused, and incredible. The winemaker, Wes Hagen, always said that the Sta Rita Hills AVA was more aligned to Chardonnay than Pinot. Tasting this wine? Hard to argue. Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
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4/9/2013 - joeroth Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice chard.
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2/24/2012 - jreis wrote:
Drank alongside the 09 chard. This was excellent, prefered by all at the table and I think perhaps the best chard I have ever had of Wes'. Beautiful tropical fruit and roasted almonds on the nose with a nice whiff of salty minerals. Much more structured on the palate, with lovely white pears and white thompson grape flavors leading to a bone dry acid filled finish. In a great place, no sign of decline, but I'm not sure it is going to get better.
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2/24/2012 - arniec wrote: 90 Points
Very lean. Nice acidity. Nice citrus flavors.
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1/28/2012 - JOsgood wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic Chardonnay. So crisp and pure tasting with rocks on the finish. In a word, awesome. 13.5% ABV.
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9/6/2011 - pcarpe41 wrote:
Yellow/green/gray. Clean, pure, citrus and sun baked rocks, herbs. Great acid. Rockin' on this 100? day. Beautiful citrus and floral thing. Can I buy more?
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1/23/2011 - JOsgood wrote: 93 Points
Excellent juice. So many dimensions. You just don't get this from Cali very often.
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1/23/2011 - the godfather wrote:
this is a fantastic chard
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11/6/2010 - the godfather wrote:
I would have guessed France blind. Very chablisesque. Pretty shut down
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12/30/2009 - the godfather wrote: 88 Points
tight but should be great
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12/30/2009 - JOsgood wrote: 88 Points
Lean and racy Chardonnay. Young with great potential. Nice food wine.
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