Served from magnum by a dear friend at his wife's birthday party, I must admit that I had low expectations for this 14-year-old California Chardonnay. The cork was crumbly and all indications were that this would be a disappointment. How wrong I was! Medium golden and intensely aromatic, the nose gushes with a bouquet of honeysuckle, pears, wet stones, citrus peel and coriander. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with nicely integrated alcohol (14.0%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, stays solid in the middle and closes very long. While I cannot speak for the status of this wine from 750 cc bottles at this point, it can be said that this well-cellared magnum showed impressive youth and not the slightest hint of oxidation. Drink now-2018.
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J. Laube's review is spot on. Chablis like acidity absent the hint of oak. However not the equivalent of good mature chablis. Did pair well with Ellen's citrus shallot glaze for the scallops.
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Light and transparent in color. Citric palate with a slightly oak-driven weight and texture. Tense finish with a mineral backbone and lots of acidity. Aging really nicely.
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3/18/2015 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 93 Points
Served from magnum by a dear friend at his wife's birthday party, I must admit that I had low expectations for this 14-year-old California Chardonnay. The cork was crumbly and all indications were that this would be a disappointment. How wrong I was! Medium golden and intensely aromatic, the nose gushes with a bouquet of honeysuckle, pears, wet stones, citrus peel and coriander. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with nicely integrated alcohol (14.0%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, stays solid in the middle and closes very long. While I cannot speak for the status of this wine from 750 cc bottles at this point, it can be said that this well-cellared magnum showed impressive youth and not the slightest hint of oxidation. Drink now-2018.
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7/31/2012 - jorgesanchezgil wrote: 88 Points
butter, peach
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1/30/2011 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 88 Points
J. Laube's review is spot on. Chablis like acidity absent the hint of oak. However not the equivalent of good mature chablis. Did pair well with Ellen's citrus shallot glaze for the scallops.
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8/16/2009 - idrinkvino wrote: 92 Points
Lively and sophisticated. Light on the palate, yet full of verve. Excellent.
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1/17/2009 - psmith wrote:
Light and transparent in color. Citric palate with a slightly oak-driven weight and texture. Tense finish with a mineral backbone and lots of acidity. Aging really nicely.
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