Best of 2011 White Wines
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Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2007 Blanc de Noirs – $32 per bottle
Elegant and highly refined aromatics of fresh strawberry and bright raspberry, this cuvée is clearly defined by Pinot Noir. The palate is richly structured with layers of strawberry, fig, and Gravenstein apple. 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay; aged sur lees in bottle for 32 months.
Sanglier 2009 Blanc du Tusque – $20
A gorgeous blend of 33% Viognier, 33% Sauvignon Musque and 33% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine is sweet in the nose, yet dry, freshing and clean on the palate. 161 cases produced – Limited
Atrea 2010 “The Choir” White Wine – $22.50
With winemaker Alex McGregor and consulting winemaker David Ramey, Atrea is a project worth following. The Choir is a thoroughly unique white blend of all hand-harvested and organically-certified Roussanne and Viognier that offers up vibrant flavors of richly fragrant stone fruits, orange blossoms, white peach, honeysuckle, ginger and jasmine. Wonderfully aromatic, rich, clean and reallllly tasty.
Ladera 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Howell Mtn- $25
Napa Valley
Made by the talented Karen Culler (Wolf Family, Renteria, Culler), this is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs we’ve tasted in recent memory. The wine includes the unique Sauvignon Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, which imparts tropical fruit and melon nuances to the wine. Green apple, pear, and melon aromas, along with the hints of vanilla from the lees contact and the small amount of new barrels. The Ladera Sauvignon Blanc palate is most characterized by the crisp acidity and the mouthwatering texture.
SixVine 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay – $26
The fruit for this 145 case production comes from a splendid little vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Jericho Canyon Vineyards took the remaining juice to bottle and pour in their tasting room. Harmonious flavor array of lemon meringue, key lime pie, Golden Delicious apple, marzipan, and creme brulee. Round and opulent with nice minerality and subtle oak nuances that lead to lingering finish. Positively Delightful!
Maldonado 2008 Los Olivos Vineyard Chardonnay – $32
Napa Valley
One of our clients’ favorites and most requested white wines, it’s hard to get more bank for your buck from a Chardonnay than this. Lush, rich Chardonnay with wonderful floral aromas of fresh tulips and roses followed by flavors of ripe peaches, fresh tangerine and lemon, baked apple, toasted hazelnuts and a nice touch of Napa minerality on the long, crisp finish.
Londer 2008 Kent Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay – $39
Sonoma Coast
Kent Ritchie is considered to be a “Grand Cru” quality vineyard, and has been the source of some of the most sought after wines from producers such as Aubert, Ramey, Flowers, and DuMOL.
The Londer Chardonnay is another stunning example of the impressive quality of this vineyard, but at a fraction of the price. This is a HUGE, rich, complex and decadent Chardonnay…yet very balanced and opulent. A total class act! It’s loaded with intense flavors of creamy baked apple, butterscotch, lemon/lime, cinnamon butter and a wonderful toastiness around the edges. Great stuff! Only 299 cases were produced.
L’Angevin 2008 Laughlin Vineyard Chardonnay – $40
Russian River Valley
From Robert Parker, Wine Advocate:
“Another brilliant white, the light gold-colored 2008 Chardonnay L’Angevin Laughlin Family Vineyard sees a similar upbringing and the result is abundant tropical fruit, honeysuckle, poached pear and mango intertwined with a hint of creme brulee. Russian River-like in its exuberance and exoticism, this full-bodied in-your-face style of Chardonnay can be consumed over the next 2-3 years. 93 pts.”
Clouds Rest 2009 Chardonnay – $45
Sonoma Coast
Incredibly rich, opulent, almost decadently delicious and dramatic Chardonnay from a remote vineyard on Manchester Ridge on the Mendocino Coast. Intensely aromatic featuring white flowers, stone, steel, spice, and flint; awesome balance and integration of wood, acid and alcohol with flavors of ripe white peaches and pears, hints of honeysuckle and a long, luxurious finish that lingers. Delightful, elegant and memorable!
Lewis Cellars 2010 Sonoma Chardonny – $50
Russian River Valley
Always a class act, but this 2010 Sonoma Chardonnay from Lewis Cellars is something special. Made with fruit from some of the oldest Dutton Ranch Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, this wine exhibits layers of lemon-lime citrus, nectarine, honeysuckle and toasty tangerine infused with orangey spices. Succulent citrus flavors are fresh and lively on the palate while preserving a supple texture that gradually turns crisp with a final wash of mouthwatering natural acidity.
Peirson Meyer 2008 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard – $59.75
Russian River Valley
The Charles Heintz Vineyard is the source for some of the celebrated wines, including the DuMOL designates. Beautifully balanced and rich flavors of citrus oil, white peaches, tangerines; rich, steely, dense and finely nuanced, this one has it all! 40 year old dry farmed vines create an amazingly concentrated wine with a superbly rich and viscous mouthfeel that coats the palate and lingers endlessly.