95 Points - Wine Spectator #9 Wine of the Year 2017
This wine opens with aromas of lemon and neroli oil, floral hints of lily and acacia, and the suggestion of fresh brioche. The smooth, unctuous palate is clean, complex and harmonious with fresh apricot characters. Warm notes of clove and nutmeg, carry over the rich, lengthy finish.
Please contact Pahlmeyer (707) 255-2321 for availability on 750ml bottles. Magnums are currently available (see drop down on right)
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Vineyards
- Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard,
- Atlas Peak Vineyard
Critics
95 Points
James Laube, Wine Spectator, April 19, 2017
A gorgeous mouthful of rich, buttery Chardonnay, loaded with exotic tropical fruit, pear, melon and pineapple flavors. Impresively opulent and silky. Drink now through 2022. From California.—J.L.
96 Points
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, December 2016
It has that noteworthy greenish hue to its light-gold color, which I consider a high-sign of quality. Orange blossom, tangerine oil, mango, subtle smoky wood, a full-bodied texture, terrific purity and acidity, great fruit and a long, long finish are the stuff of great California Chardonnay. This cuvée also has a phenomenal track record for aging for at least 7-10 years, and in certain vintages even longer.
Winemaking
- Winemaker:
- Kale Anderson
- Alcohol:
- 14.8%
- Harvested:
- August 27 to September 18, 2015
- Bottled:
- August 16, 2016
- Released:
- March 20, 2017
The 2015 vintage reflects our tireless dedication to create stunning wines amidst a challenging growing season. An unusually warm spring led to early budbreak and rapid vine growth, but upon bloom, the weather turned cool and foggy which slowed development and forced a small fruit set. Summer arrived with considerable heat, propelling the grapes into early and intense flavor concentration. Ripening was then slowed by spells of unusually low temperatures. These fits and starts demanded constant readiness and precision in all our farming practices. Our team patiently and carefully walked row by row, watching for peak ripeness in each block. In the winery, we rigorously selected only the finest barrels of Chardonnay, resulting in a wine that shines with intensity, complexity and bright acidity.
