Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2015

Our fourth edition of the Reserve series has been a fascinating study in comparing our Estate Chardonnay to this Reserve Wine.  With all the history and success of our Chardonnay it would seem difficult to “gild the lily”. However, it seems we have succeeded. All along we have had a “just taste and see” approach; and what I “taste and see” is impressive.

After ten months of oak aging, eleven selected barrels are combined with the sediments of fermentation (primarily spent yeast) into a stainless steel tank.  It is then aged another twelve months and through the magic of autolysis, the sediments disappear, becoming incorporated into the wine. This is an old practice I came across on a trip to Burgundy. Since then I have wanted to try it but just didn’t have the cellar space until the 2007 vintage.

Even at this late release date the 2010 is very fresh.  (Looking back over the 2007-2009 Reserves the wine seems to have more backbone for aging, which is paramount.) Youthful aromas of citrus, cardamom, almond and earth combine with a full texture and brightness on the palate.

If you enjoy our Estate Chardonnay, I think you will find this Reserve an intriguing comparison.

Production

257

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

95 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - October 2015

Issue #221

Only slightly darker in color than the Estate Chardonnay, the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve is a barrel selection from the standard Santa Cruz Mountain Chardonnay that’s moved to stainless steel barrels, gets a single lees stirring, and then is left alone for 12 months before being bottled. It offers rocking notes of ripe orchard fruits, honeysuckle, orange blossom and vanilla cream on the nose. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay that has terrific concentration, a layered, silky and vibrant texture and a big finish. Still youthful and vibrant, if you every wanted to push the ageability of California Chardonnay, this would the one to do it with. Enjoy this beauty anytime over the coming two decades.—Jeb Dunnuck

94 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous  - July 2014

White pear, jasmine, lime and mint are some of the notes that lift from the glass in the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve. This is an especially lifted, perfumed Reserve built on a mid-weight frame. Grace takes precedence over power. Today, the 2010 is a bit reserved and inward. It will be interesting to see what emerges over time. The Reserve is an eleven barrel lot that spent eight months in barrel followed by ten months in tank prior to being bottled. Drink 2016-2030