September 6, 2020 - failed cork. Oxidized
May 27, 2013 - Deep flavors. Complex, thick, and rich.
July 26, 2012 - This is a 14.9% abv Cali Chardonnay, medium yellow in color. The nose has med(+) intensity, showing lemon and white pepper, a bit of smoke, and perhaps a tad bit of volatile acidity (not sure why). Smells a little hot as well. On the palate, this wine has med-to-full body, med(-) tannins that are a bit drying, and medium acidity. There are flavors of lemon and dried apricot, followed by a peppery spice and vanilla, which leads into a med(+) finish where the alcohol pokes through a bit. This wine is of good overall quality, but the alcohol and overly astringent tannins pull the score down a few points right now. I'd wait another year before drinking the next bottle, and maybe the oak tannins will smooth out a bit more.
May 30, 2012 - Yellow color tinged with green, a refreshing, forward fruit flavor that softens to a mellow, somewhat sweet and buttered nuance. Ready to drink right now.
December 20, 2011 - Pale gold / yellow in color. 14.9% abv Sonoma Valley Chard. Citrus nose of lemon / lime initially, followed by papaya, hazelnuts, and perhaps nutmeg. Floral. Quite alot going on. On the palate, lemon drops, with a gorgeously balanced acidity, followed by a sweetness reminiscent of pineapple, with a little spice for a nice, warm kick. The high alcohol is well hidden. The medium length finish goes on for 30+ secs. This wine will drink well the next few years, at least. Matched beautifully with various seafood dishes at our table tonite.
September 8, 2011 - Straw yellow in color, 14.9% alcohol, really fast legs. This wine smells exciting and sweet, with a tree sap quality (petroleum) just behind the gorgeous tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi, and honey. A slight minerality is also present, adding complexity and depth. The wine actually has an initial sweetness (just from the alcohol, it is totally dry), then the honey fades to pure tropical fruit flavors, supported by a beautifully balanced acidity, and finishing with a slate-like minerality that lasts for 40+ seconds. This med/full bodied Chardonnay will be a perfect match to seafood or chicken dishes, and should easily last another 3+ years.
February 25, 2011 - Appearance: Cloudy, pallid yellow. Nose: Loads of lemony, toasted oak, some minerals, butter cream at times. Palate: A sharp beam of sweet lemons, figs, and pears, along with flowers and an abundance of butter and oak on the attack. A totally different layer is revealed on the mid-palate - candied with ample acidity. Almonds, butterscotch, lemon candy linger for a long time on the amazing finish.
This chardonnay is really quite tasty. Definitely shows its Californian side - buttery, oaky, but very focused and intense. There's enough acidity to prop up the other elements, and it is the balance of these elements that make this wine stand out.