2016 Nancie Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Leading off the two Chardonnays, the 2016 Chardonnay Nancie is mostly clone 4, from multiple vineyards, that was brought up in 40% new French oak. It’s a layered, pure, elegant 2016 that has perfumed notes of stone fruits, citrus blossom, and a salty minerality that keeps you coming back to the glass. It will keep for 4-6 years. This is another brilliant lineup of wines from the Donelan Family, with the wines made by Joe Nielson. While their estate Obsidian Vineyard was lost in the fires last year, they’re already in the process of planning and replanting the site, and I was thrilled to taste through a small retrospective from what’s unquestionably one of the great terroirs in California. Looking at the 2015s, which are by and large the current releases, these are structured, tannic wines that are going to benefit from short term cellaring.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Nancie opens with expressive pink grapefruit, nectarines and mandarin peel notes with wafts of pineapple, honeycomb and lightly browned toast. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully elegant with bags of freshness, delivering intense tropical and citrus layers and a long, zesty finish.
The 2016 Chardonnay Nancie is gorgeous. Succulent and nuanced, with terrific freshness, the 2016 is a pure joy to taste. The 2016 has a good bit of oiliness and texture, but it remains gracious and light on its feet. Candied lemon peel, mint, white flowers and lightly honeyed notes fill out the layers effortlessly.