2021 Hudson Ranch Chardonnay Seashell
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Tasting notes
Lee Hudson, owner of four Carneros vineyards, makes just 300 cases of this wine from low-yielding, old selections of Chardonnay. He told me he doesn’t sell fruit to sparkling-wine producers because the price is too low. Quite rich nose but very fine spine of acidity and a little marine influence on the flavour. Great tightrope balance. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Medium lemon green. Flinty reduction on the nose with fresh, zesty lemon oil and notes of tangy yogurt. Caramelised lemon on the palate with a salty, savoury quality and a finish that goes forever. Absolutely outstanding from start to finish – this wine could easily bankrupt someone. Too good to keep around – best kept in an off-site cellar. (SCJ)
There's a bit less new French oak (70% new instead of 80%) in the 2021 Chardonnay Seashell, which yields aromas of crushed stone, pencil shavings and caramelized peach or pineapple. It's medium to full-bodied, generous, plump and easy to drink, with a harmonious finish and a dry, zesty, prolonged finish. It's a virtual toss-up between the Seashell and Ladybug this vintage.
Leading off the Chardonnay releases, the 2021 Chardonnay Seashell is flat-out brilliant, with a kiss of good reduction in its seashell, crushed stone, white flowers, and honeyed stone fruit-driven aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, focused, has good acidity, and a brilliant sense of minerality on the finish.