Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 1994

1992 was a welcome year for our estate vineyards in that the five-year drought finally ended. When one dry farms (no irrigation), the winter rains take on added significance. In the distinctly Mediterranean climate of northern California, the rain from November to March is all the water one sees. Voluminous quantities of rain are not needed but a moderate amount gives the vines good balance, which is the goal. '92 was such a year.

This 1992 is rich and heady vintage that is bold yet retains elegance throughout. Built to age you can expect improvement for another two to three years and a decade or more of drinking pleasure.

Production

1,558

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

96 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - October 1994

Issue # 95

The Montrachet of California? This is a spectacular bottle of full-throttle, decadently rich Chardonnay. Buttery notes accompanied by scents of toast, nuts, and honeyed fruit jump from the glass. The wine swells on the palate, offering layers of unctuously-textured, succulent fruit. The wine’s tendency to be overblown is avoided by its nicely integrated acidity. This blockbuster, rich, superb Chardonnay is a dead ringer for a great grand cru from Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. The only question is how long will it last – I say 4-8 years. Don’t dare serve this wine chilled; treat it like a red wine and consume it at room temperature to permit a display of all of its amazing richness and complexity. A tour de force!

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

Very light color. Apple and mint aromas, plus a marzipan-like sweetness. Lush and sweet in the mouth, with a spiced apple flavor given vibrancy by nicely integrated acidity. Like the ’82, this wine did not finish completely dry. But not especially sweet on the aftertaste.

Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine - August 1994

Following on the heels of the fabulously successful ’90 and ’91 vintages, this 1992 is a rich and heady vintage which is bold yet retains an elegance throughout. Built to age you can expect improvement for another two to three years and a decade or more of drinking pleasure. The vintages 1981-1984 and drinking beautifully at present.

California Grapevine - August/September 1994

Medium-light golden yellow color; attractive rich, intense, toasty, lemony, green apple, ripe tropical fruit aroma with overtones of vanilla and butterscotch; full body; intense toasty, ripe Chardonnay fruit flavors; well balanced and structured; lingering aftertaste. Superior quality. Very highly recommended. Deserves another year or two of bottle aging.