Estate Grown Cave Fermented Finch Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay

Jarvis has always been such a unique producer with its incredible underground facility and fascinating lineup of wines. Their Finch Hollow Chardonnays (this one and the Unfiltered version) are outrageously expensive, but they sure know how to deliver on flavor profile.

My notes here are actually quite similar to the 2015 I opened last year, but everything is a touch more restrained. Normally quite rich with expensive oak usage, this seems nicely balanced…it’s almost fresh in profile. Sweet lemon cream alongside marzipan and sea breeze aromatically. From a phenolic standpoint, it’s close to some of the Aubert offerings with its powerful texture. Finishes with a surprising amount of honeysuckle, caramel dipped apple, and honeycrisp. This seems to be built for a bit longer aging compared to the 2015. I’ll be curious to see how the 2018 is.

One of the 2015s I opened to celebrate my 5yr wedding anniversary. In these early years, fruit forward/approachable wines from Napa are ideal while the other wines from the vintage rest and approach maturity.

I’m a big fan of this winery for their unique varietals (Tempranillo, cab franc, PV single varietals), as well as their cab reserve that is held back 10+yrs and especially their merlot. However, while this Chardonnay is expensive, it consistently delivers a certain profile that I crave ever so often. This reminds me of a more complex version of the Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay...deep gold in color, showing a touch of butterscotch, juicy pear, banana bread, and an array of baking spices (vanilla, nutmeg). Rich and powerful on the palate with marzipan, powdered sugar lemon bar, creme brûlée, and a finish that continues for a good 30+ seconds. As enjoyable as this is for what it is, I don’t mind spending the extra $15 and getting the unfiltered version for a touch more complexity.

Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening!

Ben and I wanted to do a flight of Jarvis chards, so he brought the ‘11 Finch Hollow. The color difference against my ‘14 Unfiltered Finch Hollow was drastic! Much more amber in color, as though it had been oxidized a bit. It has an amazingly sweet nose...someone mentioned it was slightly reminiscent of botrytis. Lots of honey and marshmallow cream aromatics. It tastes like Werther’s Butterscotch, candied ginger and baked marzipan. You gotta love the style. Delicious. Thanks @Benjamin Keator .

This was a 100% last minute rockstar pull. The prior edge Hill definitely disappointed but this came through with flying colors! Such richness, opulence and integration. Vanilla, oak, crème brûlée, torched apricot and Absolute jubilance!!!!! Bad ass Chardonnay for any occasion bar none. @David L @Joe Lucca @Shawn R @Ron R @Mike R @Howard Greenfield @Shay A

Laser focused, lots of lift and vibrancy. Perfect with or without food. Thank you @Martin G Rivard

First time having this wine. Won’t be the last. @Martin G Rivard thank you for poping this bottle.

Perfection after 2 hours. Insane!
@Bill Bender @Joe Lucca @Shawn R @David L

My first exposure to this Chardonnay and I must say it was pretty special. Viscosity and breadth, lots of texture and mouthfeel. Runs to the precipice of too much and then reels it in perfectly. Baked apple, hazelnut and river rock.

@Paul T

With Martin... I'm going to get in trouble! @Martin G Rivard