2009 Alpha Omega Napa Chardonnay

The 2009 Alpha Omega Chardonnay Napa Valley is a triumph.  The exceptional conditions for growing Chardonnay that existed in 2009 are brought forth with perfect sugar to acid ratios resulting in a wonderfully balanced and elegant Chardonnay.  Plenty of tropical fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and cedar notes on the nose with a palate of fresh citrus, marzipan and honeysuckle with just a hint of buttery oak.

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The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 1: Migration Chardonnay RRV

I love my job! Last night our dear friend Sara from Duckhorn dropped by to give us a sneak preview of the Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration lineup for the 2009 and 2010 vintages. In a word: stunning.  Unfortunately, the wines haven’t been released yet but stay tuned as I will let you know as they become available. I will be talking about the wines over the next few days as I feel the wines all deserve individual attention.

First, let’s talk about their 2010 RRV Chardonnay “Migration”. The winemaking team’s goal for this wine was to to create a “beautiful expression of Chardonnay” and they have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Primarily Dutton Ranch fruit, this wine is exciting without being cluttered or overwhelming. Though barrel fermented in 100% new French oak the wine is not a butter bomb but a well crafted, French style Chardonnay. Plenty of citrus and stone fruit notes layered with creamy custard flavors along with the mineral expression associated with the distinctive Russian River appellation. The finish is incredibly long for a Chardonnay, lasting almost a full minute.  I gave the wine a 94+ and I believe the juice will continue to develop and even improve in the bottle over the next year.  -Jeff

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Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cahill Lane 2009 – 95 Points

“Seductive aromas of hazelnut, honeysuckle and some buttered brioche lead to a palate ripe with white peaches, popcorn pears, white currants, hazelnuts and balanced minerality. An aromatic yet full-bodied white, this is rich and sexy Chardonnay that belies its extremely reasonable price point” – The Wine Insiders

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Produced by Walter Hansel.

Domaine Belleville La Perche Rully 2009 – 94+ Points

A wine of great finesse and elegance yet surprisingly rich. Wonderfully balanced in every aspect with both fresh and creamy notes on the nose and palate that leads to a citrus mix of grapefruit and orange. Soft minerality, vanilla toast and soft creamy nuts linger with a touch of orange blossoms and its corresponding honey, toasted biscuit, vanilla and spice.

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Produced by Domaine Belleville.

Chateau Boswell Chardonnay True Course 2009 – 99 Points

True Course, a 100 case boutique production of Boswell’s best-of-the-best barrels, is 100% unfiltered and French Oak with indigenous wild yeast then aged for 19 months. The result is a powerhouse effort that combines the age-ability of the finest “grand cru” Burgundy with the full throttle Russian River fruit serious collectors adore. ULTRA rich and creamy on the palate, this Chardonnay offers notes of citrus intertwined with vanilla, minerals, lemon oil, and honeysuckle as well as great delineation for its massive size. Both viscous and succulent, a symphony of ripe tropical fruit flavors with a hint of grilled Hawaiian pineapple and macadamia nuts come alive on the impressive finish (lasts a full minute). This wine will age for at least 5 years, peaking in 2015 most likely. That said, pop the cork on a bottle now and enjoy after decanting (seriously!) for a ½ hour! 98 points now and a contender for Chardonnay perfection.

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Produced by Chateau Boswell.