1/2/2022 - mflesh wrote:

A very good chardonnay which is a very nice balance between the oaky, full bodied mouthfeel of complete malo chard and mineral driven steel tank chard because this one has elements of both. This one starts the process in steel tanks, then transferred to 100% French oak, 35% of which is new, with about 70 to 80% malolactic fermentation occurring. Initial nose and palate is mostly very rounded yellow fruits with a hint of a tropical character. Banana nut bread, honeycrisp apple, kumquat, mango and melon all present here from ascending to descending. Just about the full spectrum present! This one finishes with a hint of limestone grit and acidity which gives it that jagged grip! This one starts in a tux and tails, and finishes with blue jeans and a t-shirt! I'm actually quite a fan of chards that do this! Went very well with a chipotle quinoa chicken bowl with avocado and green salsa. The spiciness of the bowl really fused well with the acidic finish of this wine, and allowed the front to show what it had and then blossomed on the back end! We've been a fan of RYEW since our first visit in 2012. Although I cannot say that I'm a fan of the label change, the wine itself is solid, and you can't help but to support a winery that has been keeping it in the family from the very start! This one drinks very well now, but this AV chardonnay is one that can hang around a little bit! If you've never been out to this winery, is definitely worth a trip, tasting through their lineup, and leaving with a case or two. A very peaceful and serene experience. Breath-taking views all around. Their Scion house really looks amazing from the pictures but sadly we have never been! Looking forward to it in the future!