2004 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox
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For my taste, California’s finest stainless steel fermented and aged Chardonnay is Melville’s Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox, which represents a Chablis on steroids. The 2004 possesses loads of lemon, orange, and other citrus characteristics intermingled with a distinctive minerality. White peach aromas also emerge with airing. It’s a shame more California wineries do not make the effort to produce beauties such as this. Drink it over the next several years. Tel. (805) 735-7030
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(from aDijonclone that produces small berries and clusters) Pale yellow. Musky aromas of peach, honey and toasted grain, with citrus and steely mineral notes emerging with aeration. Fat, sweet and peachy. Offers a lush, densetexture firmed by an edge of acidity. This is intentionally made in a Chablis style, from a two-acre parcel that's normally picked over a period of three weeks.