Vivid yellow. Musky aromas of chamomile, pear skin, anise and iodine, with suave floral and gingerbread notes emerging with aeration. Juicy and broad on entry, then a bit tighter in the middle, offering densely packed orchard fruit flavors and notes of smoke and honeysuckle. More powerful than the Horseshoe but no less animated. This complex and tactile chardonnay boasts an intriguing interplay of ripe fruit and energetic spices. Finishes on a gently smoky note, with excellent persistence.

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The 2009 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is the most vibrant, mineral-laced of these 2009 Chardonnays. Clean, mineral notes frame the fruit all the way through to the vibrant, pointed finish. This is a terrific effort from Rhys. Bright citrus and crushed rocks frame the finish. The 2007, which I tasted alongside it, has aged gracefully.

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