Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 1995

One of the most nerve racking aspects of winemaking is watching a newly bottled wine go into a slump, devoid of the fruit and nuance that was so exciting in the barrel.  Why does this happen? No one knows.

Fortunately, in almost all cases, this doldrums does not last forever and the wine does return, often in even better form than remembered.  This is the classic scenario with the Estate Chardonnay.

Three months after bottling, I am wondering what in the world happened? How could I have screwed up the finest white wine in America? Six months later the wine is back on track and I'm in awe of the mysteries of nature and fine wine.

True to its forty-year history, the nose reveals subtle but penetrating aromas of toasted hazelnuts, mint, lemon, and pear.  Youthfully crisp and vibrant on the palate, with an aftertaste as energetic as the nose, the '93 should improve for two to three years and then establish a drinking plateau for many years thereafter.

Production

1,302

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - July/August 1998

Aromas of spiced pear and apple, minerals and damp earth. Sharply delineated and bright in the mouth, with apple and spearmint notes that suggest Corton-Charlemagne. Juicy acidity gives the wine terrific cut (this wine did not finish its malolactic fermentation and thus had to be sterile filtered). Finishes firm, subtle and quite long.

The Underground Wine Journal 

Has a deep scent of buttery, stony and spicy tropical fruit. The rich flavors, with lots of extract, and concentrated fruit, is buttery, hint of apricot and spice, with a citrus undertone and a long, long finish—a stunner and the essence of Chardonnay. 18 ½ Outstanding

Rating Scale for The Underground Wine Journal:

18-20 Outstanding

15-17 Very good

12-14 Good

Under 12 Below Average