THE WILDER SIDE OF CALIFORNIA
Doug Wilder, Issue 62

2005 Patz & Hall - Chardonnay Napa Valley; Vinfolio rating: 92 points
Earlier this month I offered futures on large format Patz & Hall vineyard designated wines from the 2005 vintage. The Chardonnay offerings all sold out in the first day. Those wines will arrive over the next several months. Now we can offer a Patz & Hall Chardonnay that you don't need to wait for -- the 2005 Napa bottling. This represents the roots of the winery, first produced in 1988. It is a testament to the excellence, consistency and value intrinsic to all of their offerings.

Showing aromas of fresh lemon and creamy mineral laced pear, continuing with rich smoothness on the palate. The flavors are loaded with bright lemon, pear, toasty mineral and shortbread. Very clean on the finish. Drink: 2006-2008.

2004 Chasseur - Chardonnay Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Valley; Vinfolio rating: 94 points
Bill Hunter came onto the California wine scene shortly after Patz & Hall (in the early 1990s). His specialty has always been designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His first Chardonnay bottling from the Dutton Ranch was off-the-charts delicious. The portfolio of wine offerings has expanded, yet it retains the focus of extraordinarily singular wines. Production levels are small creating tiny allocations for preferred accounts.

Aromas of mouth-watering lime essences in the nose along with liquid mineral, anise and lemon. Showing bold, rich flavors and a vibrant, toasted nut quality to the beautifully compelling acidity. Drink: 2006-2010.

2004 Chasseur - Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard, Russian River Valley; Vinfolio rating: 95 points
Lorenzo Vineyard is a legendary source from the Russian River used extensively by Marcassin. It must have something to do with the dry-farmed, Wente clones planted in 1973, along with the cool microclimate, that makes these wines so memorable.

The wine is richly textured with seductive, lively and extracted hazelnut. The flavors are pure and rich on the palate showing mineral, lemon and smoky graphite. Drink: 2006-2011.

2004 Maldonado - Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard, Napa Valley; Vinfolio rating: 98 points
One of the most astonishingly popular wines for Vinfolio is the Maldonado Chardonnay. The initial offer a few weeks ago was huge. More is on the way, and we are grateful for the relationship we have established with Maldonado as one of the top outlets in America for this extraordinary wine.

A bright golden color. Very rich, honey-kissed lemon, pain grille, grapefruit skin, pure citrus and graphite aromas. On the palate, there is that unmistakable purity of fruit with its stellar, rich, macadamia nuttiness followed by concentrated oily, mineral and preserved lemon. The finish is rich with excellent acidity and lasts for several minutes. Drink: 2006-2012.

2002 Miura - Chardonnay Talley Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley; Vinfolio rating: 92 points
Talley Vineyard is a notable source for Chardonnay and Pinot just north of Santa Barbara. Miura, owned by Master Sommelier, Emmanuel Kemiji, and made by Byron Kosuge has created wines that show the excellence obtainable here.

Talley fruit is typified by beautiful aromatics encompassing rich lemon and pear. Loads of lemon and toasty spice on the palate. The finish is smooth and focused. Drink: 2006-2009.

Two of the winter's most popular Chardonnay on reorder
A pair of luscious Chardonnay from earlier this year are coming back. Last call on both.

2003 Hansel, Walter - Chardonnay Cahill Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley; Vinfolio rating: 93 points
Cahill is very forward with exotic nuances throughout. The nose is flinty with mashed and creamed citrus followed by a palate that is silky and extracted with nuts. It has hints of creamy pear and other juicy fruits, mineral and nutmeg. Drink: 2006-2008.

2004 Tandem - Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley; Vinfolio rating: 95 points
Kent Ritchie is one of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Russian River. Tandem offers a powerful nose of creamy oak with outstanding structure. Flavors of butter cream, citrus, apple, and mineral on the palate with a long and complex finish--a stunning wine. Drink: 2006-2010.

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