Fantesca
Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
WNH NY, 2021.
This was from my cellar, which I opened because I wanted Shay to take another look at Heidi’s chard craft. Needs few words, it was stunning on every level. Zero signs of age. This was such a joy to taste.
WNH NY, 2021.
This was from my cellar, which I opened because I wanted Shay to take another look at Heidi’s chard craft. Needs few words, it was stunning on every level. Zero signs of age. This was such a joy to taste.
Creamy texture gives a silky mouthfeel to this wine. There is a good balance between crisp acidity and ripe fruit character with lemon, green apple, peach, mango and floral blossom notes on the nose and palate. It’s full bodied and almost rich in character but a lovely smoke and crushed stone quality on the long finish makes for a clean impression. Not for delicate foods, but beautiful with grilled white fish and roast chicken.
Creamy texture gives a silky mouthfeel to this wine. There is a good balance between crisp acidity and ripe fruit character with lemon, green apple, peach, mango and floral blossom notes on the nose and palate. It’s full bodied and almost rich in character but a lovely smoke and crushed stone quality on the long finish makes for a clean impression. Not for delicate foods, but beautiful with grilled white fish and roast chicken.
Dec 26th, 2020
Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.
The Fantesca property on Spring Mtn is gorgeous, and their tasting room at the winery is stunning. Really enjoyed getting to try more of their wines.
I’m really picky on chardonnay, but this was intoxicating. It’s crazy young, but this is going to vault up the scale for me. First comparison that comes to mind is Aubert’s Larry Hyde & Sons, but with a touch less acidity (still plenty). This is supremely balanced. Honeyed stone fruits, lemon cream, and a slate/mineral note on the nose. Rich without being too dense. Vibrant. Powdered sugar lemon bar, meringue, and honey roasted cashews. This was (or may still be), the only chardonnay Heidi Barrett makes.
Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.
The Fantesca property on Spring Mtn is gorgeous, and their tasting room at the winery is stunning. Really enjoyed getting to try more of their wines.
I’m really picky on chardonnay, but this was intoxicating. It’s crazy young, but this is going to vault up the scale for me. First comparison that comes to mind is Aubert’s Larry Hyde & Sons, but with a touch less acidity (still plenty). This is supremely balanced. Honeyed stone fruits, lemon cream, and a slate/mineral note on the nose. Rich without being too dense. Vibrant. Powdered sugar lemon bar, meringue, and honey roasted cashews. This was (or may still be), the only chardonnay Heidi Barrett makes.
Vertical of 2008-2011. All quite similar, except for the 2009, seemed to oxidize a bit quicker. More of a toasted/nuttiness to it. All had great balance, bright fruit, slight toast and great acid. Really fun to try a lineup like this. Thanks Bradley!
Vertical of 2008-2011. All quite similar, except for the 2009, seemed to oxidize a bit quicker. More of a toasted/nuttiness to it. All had great balance, bright fruit, slight toast and great acid. Really fun to try a lineup like this. Thanks Bradley!
Apr 26th, 2018For a Heidi Barrett effort, despite the the veneer of a nice apples and pears perfume, this came across as undercooked on the palate. Now I know why it was cheap at auction. A severe disappointment.
For a Heidi Barrett effort, despite the the veneer of a nice apples and pears perfume, this came across as undercooked on the palate. Now I know why it was cheap at auction. A severe disappointment.
Mar 30th, 2018Incredibly bright and citrus dominant. A lot of lemon here...lemon tart mainly. I also picked up some plantain and pineapple. Love that it wasn’t a butter bomb. Crisp acidity. @DLynn Proctor
Incredibly bright and citrus dominant. A lot of lemon here...lemon tart mainly. I also picked up some plantain and pineapple. Love that it wasn’t a butter bomb. Crisp acidity. @DLynn Proctor
Mar 24th, 2018
Heidi Barrett's only Chardonnay. Luscious and round, bright citrus notes (pineapple & lemon custard) with an expressive finish. A favorite w/chicken or fish.
Heidi Barrett's only Chardonnay. Luscious and round, bright citrus notes (pineapple & lemon custard) with an expressive finish. A favorite w/chicken or fish.
3 people found it helpfulOct 26th, 2014