2009 Chardonnay Thieriot Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Winemaker and proprietor Lemon ran Domaine Guy Roulot when he was 24. Littorai was founded in 1993. Thieriot Vineyard is located south west of the town of Occidental, overlooking Bodega at an elevation of 900 ft. It is protected from the north-west winds and fog by a ridge to the north. The soil is Gold Ridge loam. Littorai has a long-term lease on this site, meaning that they farm it like an estate vineyard and it is farmed biodynamically. Smoky reductive burgundian nose. Fine citrus freshness. Big and rich but finely balanced on the palate. Powerful, relatively oaky and yet lovely freshness and refinement. So moreish and mouthwatering. Flattering as it opened up even though it seemed closed at first. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Chardonnay Thieriot is the earthiest and most mineral-driven of the 2009 Chardonnays. Slate, crushed rocks, lemon, grapefruit and white flowers are some of the many notes that emerge from this wine. Don’t look for size here, this is all about detail, nuance and class. It is without question one of the very finest Chardonnays of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Ted Lemon. These are some of the most refined, polished Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs being made in California today. I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. Lemon describes 2009 as a mild season with prolonged bloom that resulted in considerable shatter and a high amount of shot berries. There was no real heat to speak of in September. The 2010s were harvested during the first two weeks of October, much later than the 2009s. I also tasted a handful of 2010 Pinots from tank that appear promising, even if stylistically they aren’t as generous as the 2009s. Tel. (707) 823-9586; www.littorai.com
Bright, pale yellow. Musky, slightly reduced aromas of peach, orange blossom, hazelnut, minerals, nuts and fennel; the most Burgundian of this set of chardonnays. Dense, chewy and intensely flavored, with lively acidity framing the tactile stone fruit, mint, vanilla and toast flavors. Very nicely integrated chardonnay with a long, vibrant finish.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.