May 4, 2013 - Unfortunately suffered from a case of oxidation, though had some fruit lurking underneath.
October 11, 2012 - served this wine to celebrate my 68th birthday at selkirk manor. shared with ellen, mahesh and pat. selected this bottle from the cellar since i obviously wanted something special. reading past notes, this wine has had its ups and downs. last note indicated that it was having a resurgence and showing very well. so, i decided to give it a whirl. caught it at what appears to be its apogee. paired with fresh oyster appetizer from nucci's south. finished off with main courses, grouper x2, salmon x1 and tilapia x1. everyone remarked on the deep golden color. also, viscous mouth feel. agree with other tasters that this is a multi-layered wine. generous nose and mouth feel. hints of peach, apple, vanilla, honey, butter. i don't detect much oak. nor do i find any heat. all, in all, wonderfully balanced and giving wine. wish i had the nerve to find more. but, must remember, this wine is already 8 years old. who knows when it might start to fall apart. glad we were able to enjoy this bottle now. there are better wines at higher price points. however, at its price point, i don't think there is a better wine out there.
March 16, 2012 - This has improved over the last two years. Still nice fruit. Not as hot on the finish. Some acidity on the finish. Very nice.
January 27, 2012 - Deep yellow color. Aromas of hazelnut, vanilla, butterscotch and apple. Full-bodied and rich, with flavors of apple, toast, hazelnut and vanilla.
July 26, 2010 - Oak and butter. Layers of fruit. A bit hot on the finish. Very nice with lobster.
June 17, 2010 - Utterly superb, mature and complex. CA chards don't get much better then this. Enjoyed with Kim over last two nights as part of our 20th anniv celebration. One of our two favorite whites and a great QPR at this price point. Very complex, layers of flavor, in a great drinking window. Golden straw colored, very smooth, mature, drinking prime right now. Good mouth feel, well balanced and not overpowering butter and oak. Smooth floral nose with some oak, smoke and butter tones as well. Primary flavors include well balanced oak and butter as well as peach, caramel, toffee and development of pear on the pleasant lingering aftertaste. Highly recommend this if you can get it.
May 5, 2010 - Rich but not overly oaky and still very approachable chardonnay. Has another year left in it, at least.
March 23, 2010 - very nice--buttery with a h int of oak. went well the the mussells in safron cream that our nice neighbors brought over
February 21, 2010 - This wine has aged well in spite of its size. Honeyed notes spice pear, baked apples, ripe pineapple, roasted figs, and candied ginger. A lack of interest on the finish brings the score down a notch. Unmistakably Californian, but a rather well-constructed example of this style.
January 10, 2010 - Way better than expected...even those who don't normally care for Chard enjoyed it. Had with pasta with lobster-saffron sauce. Tropical fruit with citrus, mainly lime, flavors. The best part of the wine is how well balanced it is. Enough weight and acidity and to have with a variety of rich white foods, yet not over the top fruit or oak. Still fresh and vibrant. Really well done and the age seems to have benefited it. Not cheap, but at around $30-40, a good QPR for a Chard. Delicious!