Lioco Chardonnay is MVP level QPR. This is dynamic, textured, layered, and complex in a tax bracket where Chardonnay usually sucks.
The aromas are subtle and steely lemon, smelling fresh as spa water. Flavors of jasmine and blanched bitter almond and yellow apple. Where there's zero oak, there's texture and acid.
I've always liked this wine but this year seems particularly good. — 4 years ago
NV. Pretty unique. Multiple vintage blend. Think Chardonnay. Elegant. Toast and vanilla nose. Round, yellow apple and pear fruit. Bright, dry, slightly tart spice and mineral finish. Very nice. — 5 years ago
Reminds of fruity spicy Paso Robles — a year ago
Minerals and earth. Neither grassy nor citrus. Sage in ballston spa Carrie’s — 4 years ago
Wine with Kelly and Rod 8/21 — 5 years ago
New Years Eve at The Farm Restaurant, Carneros Resort and Spa. Opened some of my favorite wines: Marcassin Chardonnay, 2012 with oysters and caviar and salmon dish. Structure of wine is layered with apricot-orange, floral blossoms, lemon, cedar and vanilla. The Next of Kyn, 2013 Syrah blend paired nicely with the Wellington beef. Covers the pallet with dark blackberry, licorice and chocolate changing in taste as it opened up. Tannins still present but not over powering. Both wines deserve a 9.5 rating with plenty of age left on them. — 6 years ago
2020 vintage, Decanted and tasted after 10 mins and 45 mins. Medium body. Big concentration afoot paired with the (usually) lighter MM style. Verdict...guilty of requiring a mandatory 12-15 years in the cellar. Too powerful now to settle into domesticated drinking life. If you absolutely must here and now, give it a thorough 2-3 hour spa day/decanter sesh first. 8.23.24. — 2 years ago
Wow—so much happening here. Explosively fresh & zesty: key lime curd, spa water (cucumber, mint, lemon slices), green melon, barely ripe apricot, white pepper and marzipan on the nose. Equally as expressive on the palate, with a punctuated saline-tinged finish. A screaming value and at least one good thing to come out of 2020.
Attempting to sharpen my blind tasting skills by tasting Gruner, Albariño & Muscadet (evil triplets) in succession.
— 4 years ago
Nice red blend...a bit on the light side, but great complexity. Enjoyed at the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel & Spa. — 6 years ago
Rick Fenner
Smoky, leathery love — 6 months ago