2013 Mayacamas Chardonnay

The fruit is usually all from Mount Veeder though not all from the estate but in 2013 there was a small percentage not from Mount Veeder. The vines mostly planted in the 1970s, dry farmed. All Wente clone. Fermented in steel and some neutral wood and aged in neutral wood, very little new. No malo generally, though in 2013 20% did go through malo. A luscious year, apparently. Pale straw. Ripe stone fruit and a rocky dustiness. Rich and almost oily and honeyed on the palate but still with notable freshness. Rich and powerful but not heavy, mouth-filling. Spicy and creamy on the palate, mealy, the oak beautifully integrated. Impressive length. (JH)