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Ancient Peaks ‘Pearl’ Chardonnay 2016

Ancient Peaks 'Pearl' Chardonnay 2016

Located a mere fourteen miles from the Pacific Ocean, Ancient Peak’s 2016 Pearl Chardonnay is sourced from block 26, one of Margarita Vineyard’s cooler microclimates. It’s an expressive wine, with d’Anjou pear and white peach resting beneath lighter notes of pastry cream, lemon curd, and baking spice. In the mouth, it’s all freshness and elegance—a […]

Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017

Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017

A blend of 60% White Grenache and 40% Clairette, think of the Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc 2017 as value in your glass—pale lemon yellow and bone dry, this classic Rhône blend offers up a convivial bouquet of bruised pear and yellow apple, lily of the valley, and a dusting of chalky minerality. In the […]

Bodegas Altos de Torona Albariño Rías Baixas Sobre Lías 2017

Bodegas Altos de Torona Albariño Rías Baixas Sobre Lías 2017

A more fruit-driven expression of Albariño, the Altos de Torona Sobre Lias 2017 is fairly bursting with aromas of yellow peach, banana chip, green apple, and citrus. Lovely freshness and roundness in the mouth, followed by saline-tinged smokiness—the wine’s granitic origins come through on the finish as well as a rather haunting, singular banana note. […]

Pazo Pondal Rías Baixas Albariño 2016

Pazo Pondal Rías Baixas Albariño 2016

Lovely mouthfeel in this biodynamically farmed, multi-dimensional Albariño from Pazo Pondal. Dewy pear, melon, lemongrass, a whiff of gunflint, and smoke round out the nose. Texturally it’s quite pretty, and round in the mouth, with a bit of skin-ferment bite. That wonderful texture persists through to a moderate finish tipped in lime zest and fleur […]

Santiago Ruiz Rías Baixas O Rosal 2016

Santiago Ruiz Rías Baixas O Rosal 2016

A glinting pale yellow blend of 76% Albariño, 11% Loureiro, 5% Godello, 4% Treixadura, and 4% Caiño Blanco, the 2017 Santiago Ruiz Albariño opens with aromas of lemon drop, white peach, Opal apple, white flowers, lemon verbena, and a lilting touch of spice. Very fresh, with taut acidity, pear skin, mineral verve and plenty of […]

Rain Dance Vineyards Lee’s Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2016

Rain Dance Vineyards Lee's Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2016

Full and expansive on the nose with orchard fruit hovering beneath striated layers of toasted coconut, lemon curd, orange zest, and toast. It’s the perfect compromise between more linear, unoaked chardonnays and full-on warm climate well-oaked expressions of the variety. There is ample concentration on the palate, and lovely round wood-driven character—but it veers well […]

Troon Kubli Bench Blanc 2017

Troon Kubli Bench Blanc 2017

At Kubli Bench, rows of biodynamically-grown Marsanne and Viognier are planted next to each other and are co-fermented. It’s quite floral at the first whiff—white flowers and stargazer lily are met by nut skin, pear, heirloom yellow apple, and a smoky undertow. Texturally, one feels that there is some skin contact, but it’s quite nuanced, […]

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2017

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2017

Once again, M. Chapoutier’s 2017 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc exceeds expectations for its modest price point. This approachable blend 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 20% Macabeo, and, yes, 10% Vermentino is crisp and bright with wafting aromas of d’Anjou pear, yellow apple, and lemon drop, followed by top notes of lemon […]

Ayoub Chardonnay 2016

Ayoub Chardonnay 2016

Another lovely vintage from Mo Ayoub that is clearly made in small lots and with great technical care, his 2016 Dundee Hills Chardonnay is only 400 cases and is enrobed in white peach, Asian pear, yellow apples, granulated honey, and apple blossom. It fans out across the palate, with exquisite creaminess and density offset by […]

Baileyana Stone Egg Chardonnay 2016

Baileyana Stone Egg Chardonnay 2016

Baileyana’s 2016 Stone Egg Chardonnay is the perfect balance of opulence and restraint. Enveloping aromas of apricot, peach pit, apple blossom, and dried lemon verbena spring from the glass. Luscious and full in the mouth, it’s brimming with stone fruit—fermentation and aging in a concrete egg has further graced this Edna Valley Chardonnay with dimension and a […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com