Pine Ridge Dijon Clone Carneros Chardonnay 2015
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Winemaker Notes
In the glass, the color is a vibrant lemon yellow. Enticing aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon thyme and cantaloupe are integrated with spicy pear, toasted oak and vanilla. On the palate, this Chardonnay is both creamy and racy, bursting with flavors of tangerine, lemon squares and, from clone 76, pears, nutmeg, vanilla and toast. The lingering finish continues with oak spice and layers of citrus and ripe fruit.
The Dijon Clones Chardonnay will match perfectly with light and delicate foods such as raw fish and cooked shellfish, a vegetable terrine or risotto with spring vegetables. It would also pair well with creamy soups. For the cheese course, try it with Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, whose tangy, savory and nutty, caramelized flavors will complement the bright Chardonnay.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
High-toned acidity defines this nicely made wine, a medium-bodied effort with tart characteristics of apple, lemon and lime. With subtle oak, it offers body within a crisp, food-friendly context that's pleasing and complex.
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Connoisseurs'
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Wine &
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Founded in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards sits in the heart of the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, tucked beneath of ridge of pines that speak to the dramatic geologic origins of our home and unique soils. For over 40 years the winery has become a pioneer farming and vinifying Bordeaux grapes with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Pine Ridge Vineyards farms a collection of 160 acres of Napa Green sustainably certified estate vineyards across Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain and Carneros, including 47 acres in the Stags Leap District.
The winery’s Chenin Blanc + Viognier bottling started out as an experimental blend over twenty-five years ago and is now one of the most beloved and highly acclaimed white wines available. Original and unique, this fresh white wine blend is crafted to be fresh, fruity and easy to pair and enjoy. The wine has also inspired a Pine Ridge Sparkling wine also made with Chenin Blanc and a splash of Viognier.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.