2005 Bacigalupi Chardonnay
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Pale yellow-gold color. Aromas of lime, grapefruit, honey, cinnamon, clove and orange peel. Juicy, spicy and dry, with a firm acid edge to the flavors of citrus peel, resin and spice. Offers modest flesh and pliancy but comes across as very fresh. Finishes persistent and a bit tart-edged.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The outstanding 2005 Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard has a lemon tartness, medium to full body, and a beautiful, almost Chablis-like personality, but not the complexity of the 2006. It is best drunk in its first 2-4 years of life. A totally new viticultural and wine-making team is in place at Rudd, including viticultural manager, Bill Vyenielo, as well as superstars David Abreu and Michel Rolland. The new winemaker in addition to Rebekah Wineburg is Pat Sullivan. I think all of this reflects the meticulous perfectionism of proprietor Leslie Rudd, who wants to push this winery, with its fabulous source of vineyards (including the home estate right across the street from Screaming Eagle and down the slope from Dalla Valle), into the superstar stratum of Napa. Previously recommended: 2004 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red (94), 2004 Edge Hill Mixed Black (95). Tel. (707) 944-8577; Fax (707) 944-2823