2007 Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cahill Lane Vineyard

($36) Light gold. Intensely spicy pear, white peach, Meyer lemon and white flowers on the nose. Gentle leesy qualities add complexity to powerful citrus and orchard fruit flavors, which gain sweetness with air. Finishes smooth and focused, leaving behind gentle cinnamon, clove and vanilla bean notes. Elegant enough to work with lighter seafood dishes but also has the concentration to handle richer fare.

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: May/June 2009

The 2007 Chardonnay Cahill Lane has hints of caramelized citrus, white currants, honeysuckle, and tropical fruits (pineapple and orange blossom). It is full-bodied, with gorgeous texture, terrific mouthfeel, and vibrant acidity and purity. In fact, the striking component of these 2007s is the extraordinary fruit purity that seems to be found in all the top Chardonnays as well as other varietals.

Author: Robert Parker