2012 Ma Princesse Chardonnay
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2012 Chardonnay Ma Princesse, which comes from Goldridge soils in the Russian River, is a relatively large cuvée of 550 cases. It exhibits copious notes of orange marmalade, pineapple, white peach and melted caramel in its deep, rich, light gold-colored, full-bodied style. With great acidity, precision and complexity, it should drink well for 10+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(from older blocks planted entirely to old Wente clones on Goldridge soil): Lemon and lime aromas are complicated by hazelnut and a suggestion of graphite. Then deep and minerally on the palate, showing terrific cut to the flavors of stone fruits, pineapple and oatmeal. Less plush but more stony in the mouth than the Ma Douce, conveying a stronger impression of acidity too; reminds me of a Meursault Perrieres. Finishes ripe and zesty, with complicating notes of vanilla, coconut and spices from the Louis Latour barrels.