2008 Lioco Chardonnay Demuth Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (5) Avg Score: 87.9 points

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  11/24/2012 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 94 Points

  Thanksgiving Weekend at Baker's Mill; 11/21/2012-11/25/2012 (Baker's Mill - Appomattox, VA): I picked this up after swooning for the 2007. Based on some of the tasting notes, I was worried it wouldn't show well. But the 2008 is simply stunning. Aromas of seashell, intensely-focused minerals, honeysuckle, slate, whipped honey and lime. Waves and waves of aromas. Fresh acid on the palate, with a beautiful mouthfeel, so silky. This wine combines the richness of apricot and honey with the freshness of a Granny smith apple. The minerality in this wine is simply stunning. I remember the 2007 having that same mineral intensity, and I’m absolutely in love with it. Hints of quinine and rosemary add legit complexity. This is easily the best California chardonnay I’ve had in a very long time, and it cements my idea that Lioco’s Demuth Vineyard chardonnay is one of my favorite California chardonnays, period. It’s simply stunning, and I love it with the passion that I love many Grand Cru Chablis wines. It’s up there on that level of quality. No oak on this wine, and it doesn't need it.

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  10/3/2011 - richardhod Likes this wine: 89 Points

  Fresh, bright, not oaky or buttery. Complex palate, if austereish! Great stuff, and to me outshined the Michel-Schlumberger, whose palate was much less interesting by comparison.. although that was a different style of Chardonnay (also not a butterbomb). Although one of my friends preferred the Schlumberger!

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  4/11/2011 - BlackIce wrote: 90 Points

  I must echo both "joannevicious" and "monopolewine" comments. It can't be said any better. I simply cannot drink the very oaky and buttery chards that are so common. This non-oaked chard is absolutely wonderful. I experienced the same tastes as the others. Simply outstanding!

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  3/14/2011 - joannevicious wrote: 91 Points

  Simply amazing. If all un-oaked chards were like this I would fully embrace the new chardonnay movement. Nutty, complex, minerality, rich. Unusual earthiness to it--nothing I've encountered with a chardonnay--but wonderfully so. Definitely unique and not for everyone (as was my experience when I opened this with friends, but more for me!), but that just makes it even better :)

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  9/21/2010 - peternelson wrote: 90 Points

  No oak; chalky, earthy aspect that was very attractive; silky beautiful mouth, with good extract. The wine was aged sur lie and gives it freshness, class and character, and a subtle nuttiness.

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