The 2006 Chardonnay was perfect in the Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was picked perfectly ripe and the fruit shows it! The wine was aged for 15 months in 100% French oak, of which 25% was new. It was fermented in barrel and stayed on the lees for about six months in order to add richness, body, and even more complexity.

The wine is the color of golden straw. The nose displays citrus, mineral, vanilla, drawn butter, Asian pear, a hint of petrol (as the wine channels great German Riesling), and spice.

The wine also has great complexity on the palate boasting first crisp, bright acidity, lemon-lime, and green apple. The midpalate screams of intense minerality, almost saltiness, and honey. The finish is long and with each sip, I get varying degrees of vanilla, crème brûlée, burnt toast, buttered popcorn, toffee, caramel, cinnamon, and cloves.

My four year old nephew sums it up best though. His one word description... Yucky!

(Please note: 4 year olds also don't like Montrachet...)

84 cases produced

Other Current Wines

• 2006 South Mesa Syrah 'Elevage Reserve'
• 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Elevage Reserve'
• 2006 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
• 2006 Cargasacchi Jalama Pinot Noir
• 2006 Le Bon Climat Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 2006 Calmant Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 2006 SB Highlands South Mesa Syrah
• 2006 SB Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon