2012 Chardonnay Ellen Lane Estate Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Chardonnay Ellen Lane Estate is all about immediacy and up-front appeal. Apricot pit, peach, spice and melon are all laced together in a supple Chardonnay with soft contours. This rocky site is the coolest and latest ripening vineyard in the Paul Hobbs stable, but the generous vintage yielded a forward, juicy wine to drink now and over the next few years.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2012 Chardonnay Ellen Lane Estate, from the Russian River, is an exuberant, nearly flamboyant, rich, honeyed white revealing hazelnut, peach cobbler, caramelized citrus and delicate pineapple notes. Full-bodied, fresh and concentrated, this is a superb expression of Chardonnay from estate vineyards in Russian River. Like the Edward James Estate cuvée, it is a limited production wine of under 350 cases produced.
Bright gold. Smoky pear and tangerine aromas are accented by a zesty mineral overtone and a hint of anise. Fleshy orchard and citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air, becoming spicier and broader. Closes smoky and long, with intense minerality and a hint of iodine.
The 2012 Chardonnay Ellen Lane Estate is intriguing in this vintage. The wine's trademark focus is evident, but the more even growing season vis-à-vis 2011 has smoothed out some of the angular contours that are present at times. Nectarine, apricot, Chamomile and pastry notes are woven into the finish.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.