$55/bottle under the original label
Lot 381 offers the barrel-fermented richness of Rombauer with the complexity of Far Niente.
Not only that, I think it's a better wine.
Given the source (and how the wine plays on the palate), I am confident the grapes were sourced from the legendary Star Vineyard. Planted back in 1991 on the in Rutherford's west-side alluvial washes coming off the Mayacamas Mountains, Star Vineyard is the source for many a fantastic Rutherford Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
With its well-over $50 price-point and year-in, year-out, mid-90s scores from major critics (producer's label), this Chardonnay will appeal to broad swath of Chardonnay-lovers.
It's an absolute steal at $22/bottle folks!
Classic CA Chard fans, get ready; warm butterscotch and spiced apple pie are complexed with warm rain, pineapple, toasted bread, and vanilla blossoms - the 50% new French oak was a wonderful treatment here, even before the entry. On the palate the wine is succulent, ripe, and sappy with incredible weight and exquisite balance showcasing baked pineapple, and toasty, nutty oak that's well integrated with chalky, juicy acidity. For all the wood and rich fruits, this is a wine of terroir with its cobbly, alluvial soils, producing great structure to balance its rich viscosity. Seriously fantastic Chardonnay with an energetic richness that will keep you coming back for more!
100% single-vineyard sourced Chardonnay
100% Rutherford AVA
100% French oak, 50% new wood
14.9% alc.
