2016 Grgich Hills Chardonnay Estate
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Tasting notes
Organically grown grapes from the American Canyon and Carneros vineyards near San Pablo Bay. Fermented and aged 10 months in 80% barrels and 20% foudres. 25% new oak, the rest neutral. No malo. TA 7 g/l, pH 3.3. Very pale gold with a deep spicy aroma that is just a little bit smokily reductive in the struck-match style but not overdone. With time in bottle, starting to show nutty and toast aromas. Powerful, oaky style, rich and spiced but not heavy. Full bodied yet still fresh, perhaps just a little bit of heat at the back of the throat if you drink this without food – it does need it. Rich and a little chewy and a long spicy finish. Traditionally styled but none the worse for that. Could just do with a little more tension. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay is slightly more straightforward, with some toasty oak in its ripe orchard fruits, brioche, and spicy aromas and flavors. This nicely textured, medium-bodied, balanced effort will drink nicely for 4-6 years.
The 2016 Chardonnay reveals intense white peach, pear tart and pineapple scents with touches of honeysuckle, struck flint, pie crust and honeycomb. Medium-bodied with fantastic tension and loads of citrus and tropical layers, it has a satiny texture and finishes with great length.