2018 Morlet Family Chardonnay Ma Princesse
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Ma Princesse comes from the Ritchie vineyard in Russian River, planted to Old Wente clone selection, from vines that are 50+ years old. The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Princesse rolls flamboyantly from the glass with seductive scents of ripe apricots, fresh pineapple, mandarin peel and honeysuckle, leading to suggestions of candied ginger, beeswax and coriander seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is decadently laden with tropical and stone fruit flavors with a creamy texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered. 375 cases were made.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Princesse comes from one of the greatest sites for Chardonnay in California, the Ritchie Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Coming all from Old Wente Chardonnay (40- to 50-year-old vines) and fermented and aged in French oak, it has stunning notes of caramelized peach and lemon, toasted bread, vanilla, and white flowers that develop beautifully with time in the glass. Deep, full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, it carries a racy spine of acidity, beautiful balance, and a great, great finish. Picking a favorite from these 2018 Chardonnays from Morlet is just about impossible, but this is incredible juice that tops out on my scale. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved with air. Enjoy this heavenly Chardonnay any time over the coming decade or more.
The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Princesse is explosive in the glass. Apricot, pear, dried flowers, marzipan and lemon oil all build in a Chardonnay that marries fruit intensity and energy. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of exotic tropical flavors before brighter, more saline notes bring it all together on the finish.