2016 Chardonnay UV El Diablo Vineyard
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Last of the Chardonnays and from a cooler, east facing parcel of more iron soils and Old Wente and Montrachet clones, the 2016 Chardonnay UV-El Diablo Vineyard offers a very classic style not far from the Ritchie with its bright citrus, lemon, white flowers, and subtle brioche. It's rich, nicely textured, has integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's another straight up classic Russian River Valley Chardonnay from this team that's up with the best in the vintage.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay U.V. El Diablo Vineyard is a powerful, viscous wine endowed with tremendous richness and textural depth. Plush, rich and inviting, it shows serious intensity yet has terrific freshness to play off its natural oiliness and breadth. Dried flowers, almond, savory herbs and lemon confit add striking shades of nuance. The El Diablo is a blend of equal parts Wente and Montrachet clones.
Youthfully shy on the nose, the 2016 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard opens to spring blossom, Bosc pear, white peach and toasted almond aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it's richly flavorful in the mouth with layers of ripe stone fruits and honey-nut character, lifted by juicy acidity, with a long, textured, lively finish. 324 cases produced.