Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Estate Chardonnay is reminiscent of some of the classics from the Estate such as the 2008, 2012 and 2014. A superb example of the world class quality this vineyard routinely produces. The color shows a silvery green rim with a classic golden core. The aromatics explode off the nose with tropical tones like pineapple crème brûlèe, lychee, a fresh vibrancy and flint and toasted honeycomb. On the palate this 2019 shows incredible texture, very well-integrated oak, complementing the kaffir lime, white pepper, honeysuckle and white flower nuances. The wine finishes very long, and should age extremely well over the coming 15-20 years.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Chardonnay Estate bursts with bold notions of guava, juicy peaches and honeydew melon, followed by hints of beeswax, toasted almonds and nutmeg with a waft of candied ginger. The full-bodied palate delivers a gorgeous satiny texture with layers of stone fruit and melon flavors and loads of savory/spicy accents, finishing on a lingering honey-nut note. 400 cases are due to be made. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)
Barrel Sample: 94-96 -
Wine Spectator
Very creamy and broad-textured, with plushly spiced flavors of ripe pear and apple tart. Toasty richness and savory hints linger on the 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.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.