2008 Chasseur Chardonnay Durell Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Chardonnay Durell consists of 125 cases. It has a more evolved golden color than the other three Chardonnays, notes of tangerine oil, brioche, and waxy peach-like notes. Softer and seemingly on a fast evolutionary track, this wine has little of the vibrancy and stunning complexity of the Lorenzo, but it is still tasty. However, it is best drunk over the next 2-3 years. Chasseur is a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist, and a fine one at that. What follows is not the entire portfolio, but it is a relatively comprehensive look at four Chardonnays and then a bevy of Pinot Noirs from both the 2008 and 2009 vintages. I was able to taste eight already bottled 2009 Pinot Noirs and nine 2008s. The 2008s include several generic bottles such as the Russian River and Sonoma Coast offerings. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs primarily come from Russian River sites with the Joyce from the Sonoma Coast. The alcohol levels range from a low of 14% to a high of 15%, and production levels are modest with several in the 75-125 case range. Tel. (707) 829-1941
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright yellow-gold. Pungent aromas of pear skin, melon and underripe pineapple, complicated by building smokiness and a strong iodine quality. Chewy in texture, with powerful orchard and pit fruit flavors braced by zesty lime pith and mineral notes. A flavor of licorice comes up with air and carries through a long, spicy, mineral-driven finish. There's lots going on already but this is built to age.