Double decanted before service; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 1988 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with dried dark fruit, tobacco, mocha, grilled meat, mushrooms, damp earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry. At this point, the tannins have integrated completely and are perceived as medium; acid is similar. Finish is medium. This leaned towards the more rustic, old school style of Bordeaux and I’m all for it. While this isn’t falling off a cliff, I would drink now. — a month ago
Dark Ruby color with aromas of ripe berry fruit and herb spice. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry and blackberry with leather, tobacco and cacao notes. Dusty fine tannins, medium+ finish ending rich with herb mineral spice. — a month ago
This is the same wine I reported on last fall, and this bottle is even better — while I purchased other vintages of Stony Hill Chardonnay that didn’t show this amount of longevity, this vintage is again fabulous, now at age 23. Color looks like a 5-7 year old Chardonnay, fabulously complex nose of minerals and floral notes, on palate remarkable freshness and youth, I think this is at or near peak, but this is simply amazing for aged Napa Chardonnay, WOW!!! — 21 days ago
Excellent as always. One of the best vineyards from lynmar. — 14 days ago
I’m blown away how good this is. I thought it’d be history but it is tasty! — 17 days ago
An amazing chardonnay for the summer nights! — 2 days ago
Nice La Mission 2nd where the tannins are structured but soft and complementary to the blend. More dark fruit than red. The fruit is starting its downward spiral - but it just started!! — a month ago
This is Stephen Henschke’s favourite vintage of H of G he said. This was the first vintage he bottled under screw cap and all subsequent vintages have been bottled that way. They have also experimented with the Vinolok glass stopper. As Stephen said “I love tradition and it is very important as a 6th generation family owned winery. However when tradition lets you down as it has with cork, there is time to evaluate better closures. “ He went on to say the 2002 has that distinctive Hill of Grace nose which you can’t define but it does have the trademark mint, spice and sage. The palate is profoundly intense and could go on for another 10 years but flirting with perfection right now. — 2 months ago
Ron R
This is holding up surprisingly well. Nose present roasted pineapple, rosemary and hints of bread. Palette is balanced and restrained. Sweet notes and soft acidity caress the mid palate. Glorious combination with outstanding pizza. Bivio, Montclair. — 13 days ago