2005 Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Mount Carmel Vineyard

When I tasted this 2005 Chardonnay in 2007 (rated 95 points), I remember it being reminiscent of a Michel Niellon Batard-Montrachet. In this tasting, I wrote “Corton-Charlemagne,” so I’m still on the French page in terms of how these wines often perform. Extraordinary aromas of buttery citrus, tangerine oil, white currants and quince (but no oak) jump from the glass of this noble, well-delineated, full-bodied Chardonnay. With superb richness and purity as well as a long finish, it is one of the more powerful Mt. Carmel Chardonnays (15.4% alcohol, but no trace of heat), and seems capable of lasting another 10-15 years.