Still really massive. Lemon zest, limestone, roasted marcona almond, brown butter, shiso, and floral aromas. Medium bodied, with a lemon pith finish. Needs time. A touch unbalanced. I would hold for at least 2 years. I think it will go another 5+ years after that. This was the last year before the LF team took full control of the elevage (90-93 points).
Edit: Refrigerated. 4 days later, man this is still kicking. Delicious with good body & still with lots of verve.
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I admit I don't really like Cal Chards as much as many. In fact, i don't like Chardonnay all that much. My favorite is Chablis, but even then, I prefer many other varietals. Then why do I keep buying? Who knows, there are enough that I love. Hanzel, some well aged Burgs and a couple of others.
This was good for me, but some would rate it higher. Golden in color. The nose has pears, hazelnuts and vanilla. I tend to drink these warmer but that seemed problematic. With a chill on it, it just lacked some complexity. It is a big wine, but not an over oaked monster. Young and seeming like it has a few years at least left in it. YMMV.
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Brilliant golden color on this operatic chardonnay. Lush aromas of nuts, pears, and smoke give way to an opulent yet balanced palate of pears, apple, and toasted hazelnut. When first opened there are licks of smokiness, too, and those reappear in the finish. An excellent, well-made California Chardonnay that combines elegance with opulence.
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13.5% ABV. Medium gold in the glass. This wine started out with a smoky nose coupled with a little hazelnut. Medium-full bodied on the palate with complex pear toasty, nutty oak and a lingering steely finish. 90 cases. Very good Chardonnay for my palate.
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8/3/2016 - JOsgood wrote:
Massive wine with lots of oak. Drinks well for what it is and was enjoyed.
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10/1/2015 - MarkLA wrote: 90 Points
Still really massive. Lemon zest, limestone, roasted marcona almond, brown butter, shiso, and floral aromas. Medium bodied, with a lemon pith finish. Needs time. A touch unbalanced. I would hold for at least 2 years. I think it will go another 5+ years after that. This was the last year before the LF team took full control of the elevage (90-93 points).
Edit: Refrigerated. 4 days later, man this is still kicking. Delicious with good body & still with lots of verve.
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6/18/2011 - ListenToMeWine wrote: 91 Points
Nice Chardonnay. Lemon, hazelnut and creamy on the palate. Not overoaked like most Cali Chards.
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5/13/2010 - MarkLA wrote:
La Fenetre Library Wine Dinner: Campanile Restaurant, Los Angeles
Super packed, lemon, yeasty, toasty, with a creamy finish. Excellent.
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5/13/2010 - onewineheaven wrote: 84 Points
I didn't find it at all varietal. It was interesting but not because it reminded me of fine chardonnay. Seemed like very contrived flavors.
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5/1/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 89 Points
I admit I don't really like Cal Chards as much as many. In fact, i don't like Chardonnay all that much. My favorite is Chablis, but even then, I prefer many other varietals. Then why do I keep buying? Who knows, there are enough that I love. Hanzel, some well aged Burgs and a couple of others.
This was good for me, but some would rate it higher. Golden in color. The nose has pears, hazelnuts and vanilla. I tend to drink these warmer but that seemed problematic. With a chill on it, it just lacked some complexity. It is a big wine, but not an over oaked monster. Young and seeming like it has a few years at least left in it. YMMV.
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12/25/2009 - drdebs wrote: 91 Points
Brilliant golden color on this operatic chardonnay. Lush aromas of nuts, pears, and smoke give way to an opulent yet balanced palate of pears, apple, and toasted hazelnut. When first opened there are licks of smokiness, too, and those reappear in the finish. An excellent, well-made California Chardonnay that combines elegance with opulence.
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10/16/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 92 Points
13.5% ABV. Medium gold in the glass. This wine started out with a smoky nose coupled with a little hazelnut. Medium-full bodied on the palate with complex pear toasty, nutty oak and a lingering steely finish. 90 cases. Very good Chardonnay for my palate.
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8/24/2009 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 91 Points
2009 Family Winemakers Annual Tasting; 8/23/2009-8/24/2009 (Fort Mason, San Francisco, California): Balanced tart lemon palate; medium-plus finish
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