2014 Vineyard 7 & 8 Chardonnay Estate
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The 2014 Chardonnay Estate spent 16 months in barrel and goes through 100% malolactic, and it is sourced from one of the old Wente selections. This is an impressive Chardonnay aged in about 50% new oak and bottled with no fining or filtration. Crisp, elegant notes of tangerine oil, orange marmalade and white currants jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively Chardonnay that has zesty acids and impressive texture and length. This should drink nicely for 5-7 years.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The 2014 Chardonnay Estate is a beautiful wine. Rich and ample on the palate, the 2014 captures all of the phenolic intensity and breadth that is typical of this rugged mountain site. Apricot pit, peach, smoke, honey, vanillin, and butter are brought forward by stirring on the lees for added richness. Creamy, oily and unctuous, the 2014 hits all the right notes today.
The 2014 Chardonnay Estate is cut from the same mold, and like its sibling in 2013, it spent 14 months in 25% new French oak. The wine offers good, crisp white currant, tangerine oil and caramelized citrus. It is medium-bodied and fresh, with a hint of minerality in the background. The oak is very restrained and appropriate. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
The 2014 Chardonnay Estate is rich, powerful and intense, with plenty of mountain phenolic and energy. Apricot pit, peach, mint and white pepper meld together in a gorgeous, distinctive Chardonnay that should drink nicely upon release. Once again, it is evident that these snaking terraced, hillside vineyards have the potential to yield truly distinctive Chardonnays.