The Wine Insiders » Chardonnay

2009 Alpha Omega Napa Chardonnay

thewineinsiders — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:19:29 +0000

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.

Purchase this wine at Porthos

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

thewineinsiders — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:01:38 +0000

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

Purchase this wine at Porthos!

Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cahill Lane 2009 – 95 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:55:54 +0000

“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

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Walter Hansel.

Domaine Belleville La Perche Rully 2009 – 94+ Points

thewineinsiders — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:35:42 +0000

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.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Domaine Belleville.

Chateau Boswell Chardonnay True Course 2009 – 99 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:34:15 +0000

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.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Chateau Boswell.

Dutton Estate Chardonnay 2008 – 94+ Points

thewineinsiders — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Dutton Palms Vineyard produces great clusters of berries that offer a combination of baking spices, pineapple, and apples balanced with soft acidity lended by the Green Valley Appellation. Aromas of ripe pear, baking spices with elegance and richness makes this a perfect example of cool climate chardonnay from the highest quality fruit being produced. A classic wine that goes well with traditional pairings such as lobster and white fish as well as having the ability to pair well with cheese, nuts and many salad components.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Dutton Estate.

Y Rousseau Chardonnay Mount Veeder 2008 – 94 Points

thewineinsiders — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:14:53 +0000

Distinctly intense and hedonistic aromas of lychee nut and citrus with a pronounced background of mineral, white peach and toasted hazelnut. Rich and complex on the palate. Good natural balanced acidity and notes of exotic fruits and brioche. This opulent Chardonnay is elegant and food-friendly; enjoyable now and will continue to develop its character for at least a decade.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Y Rousseau.

Sans Permis Chardonnay Durell Vineyard 2005 – 93 Points

thewineinsiders — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:45:07 +0000

A wonderful yellow-gold color and a nutty, toasty nose greet you. In the mouth, Meyer lemon, crisp green apple, with butter notes and good acidity with a surprisingly rich creamy mouthfeel make this a fantastic wine to pair with a wide variety of foods.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Viña Cobos ‘Bramare’ Chardonnay Marchiori Vineyard 2007 – 95 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:20:19 +0000

Gorgeous notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, white peach, and mineral on the nose. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth, layered flavors, and outstanding length with grilled hazelnut and brioche notes weaving through the plump apple, pear and fig flavors. Long and juicy with orange marmalade on the finish. 95 POINTS The Wine Insiders

Oakville Ranch Chardonnay Napa 2007 – 94 points

thewineinsiders — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:12:19 +0000

Oakville Ranch Chardonnay

Our favorite new BIG (tasting) Chardonnay discovery under $35: rich golden color and intoxicating aromas of confection (smells like frosted Wedding Cake actually!) honeysuckle and orange marmalade lead into this elegant thriller to be enjoyed now or anytime over the next 3 years. It displays complex flavors that including macademia nuts, caramel, and tropical fruits melded together in a luxuriously texture for an delightful Chardonnay experience. 94+ points

BUY: Oakville Ranch Chardonnay Napa 2007