Winemaker Notes
Upon pouring there are aromas of fresh cantaloupe, Jasmin blossom and pear, all underscored by subtle oak tones. Notes of brioche, crème brulee and peach. On the palate, the character of the wine leans in the Californian direction, with cut melon, a touch of pineapple, Asian pear and fresh-cut hay. All tied together with balanced, structured acidity and enough oak to add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe nose, full of spiced lemon, pineapple and a savory, leesy undertone. Bright and full-bodied for a chardonnay, showing some elegant citrus flavors in the mid-palate, with fine lees and a subtle, grippy finish.
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.