Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

If you like Ca Chardonnay with firm wood-warmer climate backbone structure, this probably isn’t for you. It is closer to white burgundy, which is why I buy it occasionally. It reminds me of the a leaner, less viscous, 2014/16 Domaine de la Bongran Viré-Clessé Cuvée E.J. Thevenet.

The palate is perfectly ripe; green apple, lemon/lime juicy pulp w/ zest, grapefruit with pith, tropical melon, white stone fruit, marmalade as it warms & opens up, Bosc pear w/ skin & lychees. Honey notes, but less than Viré-Clessé Cuvée E.J. Thevenet, caramel, milk froth, vanillin, dry limestone powered, toast crust, some white spice, grey volcanics, saline notes, yellow lilies, white flowers, jasmine blossoms, mixed in greens, very pleasant acidity, well; knitted, balanced, good tension, medium structure and a smarty polished 90 second finish that settles on spice and minerals. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Lemon gold color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits with citrus, sweet floral and complex spice, no MLF. On the palate flavors of ripe melon, pineapple, apricot and honeysuckle notes with lemon zest and biscuit notes, delicate, complex and well balanced, big and full Chardonnay. Long finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and fresh finish. Will age well. Outstanding! While I usually do not decant whites, this one will benefit to breathe a bit! — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and nutty scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach, pineapple and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice mouthfeel. Long finish ending with oak, vanilla, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. A beautiful Chardonnay. — a year ago

Austin Blackwell

9.3

Roasted pineapple, hazelnut, and a hint of citrus delivers a rebound of acidity within a rich palate. Creamy and broad with well integrated oak. — 2 months ago

with Angelina

Bobbi Jo Broxson

9.5

Really smooth, paired well with prime rib — 4 months ago

with Tammy, Emmett and 3 others

Tom Garland

9.4

1 hour decant(some fine/cloudy sediment). A striking still dark magenta color with a little bricking. On the nose: Captivating savory notes of stewed dark fruit, mushroom, worn leather, charcoal, stewed meat, and touch of cinnamon. Taste: powerful, bold, structured wine with dark plum, dark chocolate, green bell pepper, earth, and a dusty, baking spice-cedar long finish with maybe a touch of heat and just slightly grippy tannins YUM! Drinking well with time to go. — 8 months ago

with Brenda

John Malcolm

10

Spectacular, full-bodied, and intense, yet silky smooth. Drinking well now, but plenty of time left. Dark chocolate, dark cherries, cassis, oregano and other herbs. Decanted for about four hours. — 3 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.2

Juicy and with a touch of sweetness. This was very pleasant and paired well with cheese. — 4 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.7

Really great. Needs about 3 hours of air. So well balanced. A lot of cocoa, blackberry, garden dirt, some tree bark, some chocolate cherries, but very dark, some menthol in the background, long finish, almost coffee and cocoa, some fruits as well. Outstanding! — 8 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Bright ruby red color. Bountiful aromas of red berries and dried violets. Pallet is full of strawberry and raspberry fruit with hints of black tea, baking spices, earth and pepper spice. Just a bit of a “gamey” quality as well. Nice hint of oak on the clean finish. Fine tannins and bright acidity. Creamy texture. Rich and nicely rounded. Absolutely a “California-Style” Pinot Noir. Nice choice, Mark Smith. — 3 years ago