2012 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch
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Tasting notes
Bright yellow-green. Reticent but aromatic nose offers yellow plum, green apple, lemon thyme and toffee. Deep, broad and mouthfilling, conveying an impression of power to its flavors of pineapple, minerals, flowers and spices. This tight wine is very slow to reveal itself but has all the elements, including firm acidity, to make a terrific bottle. But give it a couple years to gain in complexity.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The Green Valley, cool-climate, rather closed, tight 2012 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch exhibits a light greenish hue to its color and gives off notes of lemon custard, citrus oil and a touch of brioche. Anticipated maturity: now-2017. Patz and Hall has a long and enviable track record, making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of the very finest single vineyards in Northern California. They rarely miss a beat, and the wines are “sure bets” regardless of vintage conditions. The current group of 2011s and early-released 2012s once again prove the consistency of these wines, which cut a very attractive synthesis in style between the more austere Burgundian model and the riper, more fruit-laden California style. As one can see, these are consistently well-made wines from Patz and Hall that merit significant attention from all serious wine consumers. The Pinot Noirs from Patz and Hall tend to be cold-soaked prior to fermentation for 3-4 days, and depending on the vintage, the grapes are usually uncrushed whole clusters with normally around 10-20% stems utilized. Tel. (877) 265-6700