2011 Chardonnay Aurata
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Tasting notes
Integrated oak and fruit character – the two knit together. Notes of toast, spice, dried citrus. Taut focus with textural interest and a pleasant edginess. Moderate long finish. A bit lean. Ultra-cold vintage. Nice confidence and working with what’s given from a difficult vintage. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
There is already a tasting note for what appears to be the 2011 Aurata in the database reviewed by David Schildknecht, but Maggie Harrison told me that was actually the 2010! The 2011 actually comes from a different fruit source to the 2010. This comes from the Shea Vineyard where Maggie finds the power and density she is seeking and she actually takes half the Chardonnay from this vineyard, the other half kept by Dick Shea. It has an endearing bouquet with dried honey, a touch of wax resin and a cheeky hint of wild fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with lemon curd, a touch of shaved ginger and white pepper. This feels long in the mouth, gently building with a sustained finish that begs another sip. There are just 179 cases this year (hopefully to supplemented by new vineyard plantings in the future).