Much energy still, good acidity, but the overall profile is overly predictable---generous oak and classic west coast Chardonnay notes, even if well integrated. Not particularly memorable.
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This is drinking very well now. I expect it will continue to improve for several years.
Important: This is much better when just slightly cool, e.g., 65 degrees F, rather than cold. When just cool, it hits all the right notes, with pure fruit, excellent acid balance, and hints of butter (malolactic) and fine oak. As others have written, there are notes of meyer lemon and stone fruits. There is enough acid to give it some buzz, and it perfectly balances the other elements. A treat!
If you taste it when it's too cold, it seems dull and flat. Could that be why many recent reviews rated it lower with few comments? If I had rated it when cold, I would have given it 89. Note, I tasted it warmer (70F) first and then got it cold, and then warmer again, so it's not just a matter of time in the air.
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Medium golden color. A somewhat muted nose of lemon curd, hints of schist, white nut. Palate is a bit clunky and heavy, with some rich lemony curd and vanilla oak coming through with coaxing. As noted by others some heat on the back palate. Will be interested to see how this evolves over time.
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Initially oddly shutdown, robbed of any fruit, before slowly opening up to reveal ripe melon, lemon confit, and tropical oak. There's nice weight and crisp acidity to the 2013 Reserve but the youthful oak and 14% ABV bite you a bit on the finish.
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Deep gold. Meyer lemon, ripe melon, hazelnut, and oak-derived spice. Softly textured with flavors of stone fruit that linger on an expansive finish. Drink starting 2021.
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Magnificent Chard. Not a single flaw. Acid is nicely balanced front and back. Stone fruits are prominent....lightly peach with melon and butter. WOW Chard.
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The nose was rich, sweet and floral with ripe melon, apple, sweet spices and hazelnut. On the palate, I found soft, enveloping textures with ripe stone fruits, floral tones, hints of ginger. It finished long, showing green apple and lasting minerality offsetting slow-fading rich textures.
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Elegant dry aroma of Meyer lemon, cumin, a whisper of oak. Vibrant balance of deeply charged fruit and electric acid on the palate. A lovely wine. 50 + 17 + 17 + 8 = 92.
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11/9/2023 - Slaz wrote: 92 Points
Much energy still, good acidity, but the overall profile is overly predictable---generous oak and classic west coast Chardonnay notes, even if well integrated. Not particularly memorable.
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9/10/2023 - spendergast Likes this wine: 94 Points
This chard continues to drink well with notes of apple, melon, and minerals. Has nice balance and acidity. Paired with fried spot shrimp.
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2/26/2023 - spendergast Likes this wine: 94 Points
An excellent chard with notes of green apple, melon, minerals with good acidity and well balanced. Paired with grilled octopus.
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7/2/2021 - mac-eye Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is drinking very well now. I expect it will continue to improve for several years.
Important: This is much better when just slightly cool, e.g., 65 degrees F, rather than cold. When just cool, it hits all the right notes, with pure fruit, excellent acid balance, and hints of butter (malolactic) and fine oak. As others have written, there are notes of meyer lemon and stone fruits. There is enough acid to give it some buzz, and it perfectly balances the other elements. A treat!
If you taste it when it's too cold, it seems dull and flat. Could that be why many recent reviews rated it lower with few comments? If I had rated it when cold, I would have given it 89. Note, I tasted it warmer (70F) first and then got it cold, and then warmer again, so it's not just a matter of time in the air.
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6/21/2019 - T.E.D. wrote: 89 Points
Similar to Last note. A bit lacking for the price.
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6/14/2019 - T.E.D. wrote: 89 Points
Medium golden color. A somewhat muted nose of lemon curd, hints of schist, white nut. Palate is a bit clunky and heavy, with some rich lemony curd and vanilla oak coming through with coaxing. As noted by others some heat on the back palate. Will be interested to see how this evolves over time.
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4/4/2019 - rlove wrote: 90 Points
Initially oddly shutdown, robbed of any fruit, before slowly opening up to reveal ripe melon, lemon confit, and tropical oak. There's nice weight and crisp acidity to the 2013 Reserve but the youthful oak and 14% ABV bite you a bit on the finish.
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2/11/2019 - RonniePiemonte wrote: 93 Points
Still time for improvement. Floral nose. Wonderful mouth feel and layers of tranquil acids. Really a great chard.
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8/26/2018 - rlove wrote: 90 Points
Deep gold. Meyer lemon, ripe melon, hazelnut, and oak-derived spice. Softly textured with flavors of stone fruit that linger on an expansive finish. Drink starting 2021.
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6/24/2018 - Tom Warden wrote: 94 Points
Drinking well now.
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6/2/2018 - cgoumas Likes this wine: 94 Points
Magnificent Chard. Not a single flaw. Acid is nicely balanced front and back. Stone fruits are prominent....lightly peach with melon and butter. WOW Chard.
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4/10/2018 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 93 Points
The nose was rich, sweet and floral with ripe melon, apple, sweet spices and hazelnut. On the palate, I found soft, enveloping textures with ripe stone fruits, floral tones, hints of ginger. It finished long, showing green apple and lasting minerality offsetting slow-fading rich textures.
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5/14/2017 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 92 Points
Elegant dry aroma of Meyer lemon, cumin, a whisper of oak. Vibrant balance of deeply charged fruit and electric acid on the palate. A lovely wine. 50 + 17 + 17 + 8 = 92.
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