2013 Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel Chardonnay

Aged for 13 months in French oak (39% new). Pretty rich and almondy – Corton Charlemagne-like? There is more than a hint of Marcassin style here but it is more refreshing and has excellent balance. Rich, old-fashioned California ripeness but with life and freshness too. Luscious and very definitely Californian. (JR)

Absolutely sensational, the 2013 Chardonnay Isobel comes exclusively from the 32-year-old vines of the Charles Heintz Vineyard. Barrel-fermented and aged 13 months on its lees, then four months in tank, this wine offers up quintessential Chardonnay notes such as white peach, wet stones and hazelnut. It exhibits great acidity, a full-bodied, honeyed texture, superb purity, and a tightly coiled, crisp, zesty finish. It should be even better with another 6-12 months of cellaring and keep for a decade or more.

The 2013 Chardonnay Isobel Charles Heintz Vineyard is another soft, supple Chardonnay from DuMol. A wine of real pedigree, the Isobel graces the palate with exquisite finesse. Yellow orchard fruit, slate, smoke, apricot pit and spice notes are all laced together. The 2013 is delicate and nuanced from start to finish, although my sense is that the wine has not fully recovered from bottling, as the vineyard signatures aren't fully expressive yet. The classic Heintz texture comes through nicely, though.