Gratifying Oak Knoll #napavalley #merlot - medium plus body, calibrated acidity, some vanilla and toasty oak notes so it’s pretty young but well executed Merlot. My hot take - Merlot at the $50 retail mark will outperform Cabs at this price point. — 3 months ago
Perfectly ripe red fruit condition, Red plum and red cherry. Secondary black plum.
Texture is rounded and soft with a good acid balance.
Too much new oak for my preference, it distracts from the quality of the fruit. — 5 months ago
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley — 4 months ago
No sediment, so I popped and poured. Explosive nose has super-deep, pure spicy blackberry Zin fruit. Purity of fruit is a hallmark (in my experience) of Ridge’s Dusi Ranch cuvée. There’s also a bit of clove from the American oak, but it’s pretty subtle. Great intensity of flavor in the mouth, with a soft, enveloping texture. It’s big, at 14.8%, but it’s balanced. And keeping things under 15 in Paso is challenging. Terrific wine. Yummo. — 4 months ago
Nice fragrance, and great long finish. — a month ago
Piña Cellars Chardonnay 2019
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A very small-production Chardonnay sourced from the Low Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, located next to the historic Muir-Hanna Vineyards (once linked to the famed 1976 Paris Tasting winner). Only a few hundred cases are made each year, making it one of Piña’s rarest bottlings.
Aromas & Flavors
Rich and concentrated, showing layers of orchard fruits (white peach, pear, apricot) with accents of honeysuckle, hazelnut, and brioche. Subtle baking spice and mineral notes weave in, reflecting both terroir and oak aging.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a creamy, satiny texture, balanced by refreshing acidity that keeps the palate lively. The finish is long and elegant, carrying flavors of stone fruit, nuts, and citrus zest.
Winemaking Notes
Crafted in a Burgundian-inspired style with extended élevage in French oak barrels (including new oak). The result is a Chardonnay that balances opulence with restraint, with the capacity to age several more years.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with buttery lobster, roast chicken, creamy risottos, or brie and hazelnut cheese plates. Its freshness also makes it a great companion to lighter dishes like seared scallops or grilled peaches.
Verdict
An exceptional Napa Chardonnay with historic vineyard lineage and precision winemaking. Rich, complex, and cellar-worthy, yet ready to impress right now. A showstopper in Piña’s small but mighty portfolio. — 4 months ago
Great color , moderate fruit and solid tannins. Similar to Dragons Tooth. Very enjoyable.  — 6 months ago
Robert Finley
Fantastic at Patty’s — 10 months ago