2010 Demuth Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Some heat spikes in 2010 – so more uneven flavours. Project started 5 years ago. 30-year-old vines, Wente clone, farmed by Antony Filberti in full biodynamic conversion in the last 4 years. Originally on AXR1 then rootgrafted onto 5C. Cerise vineyard and Demuth vineyard. The latter on a ridge line at 1,500 feet. Barrel fermented, French oak, 35% new. pH 3.31. A little more obvious fruit (melon) on the nose than in the Sandhi. But still very restrained. Gentler and less driven than the Sandhi yet still has fine refinement. Gentler overall. Softer and gently spicy. Lovely balance. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Chardonnay Demuth is utterly brilliant. Bright, focused and beautifully articulated, the Demuth spins out layers of apricot and peach flavors. Floral overtones add complexity and nuance throughout. All the elements fall into place in a gracious, impeccable wine that impresses for its overall balance. The finish alone is striking. What a beautiful wine! Needles to say, this is a fabulous wine from a winery in just its second vintage.
(made from from Wente clone fruit picked at 22 Brix during the third week of October; 12.9% alcohol): Bright gold. Potent aromas of pear, minerals and iodine. Penetrating and dry, with bracing, sharply defined flavors of candied citrus fruits, pear skin and anise. Finishes sappy and fresh, with very good clarity and lingering minerality. These vines were planted 30 years ago, according to winemaker Anthony Filiberti.
The 2010 Chardonnay Demuth is utterly brilliant. Bright, focused and beautifully articulated, the Demuth spins out layers of apricot and peach flavors. Floral overtones add complexity and nuance throughout. All the elements fall into place in a gracious, impeccable wine that impresses for its overall balance. The finish alone is striking. What a beautiful wine! Needless to say, this is a fabulous wine from a winery in just its second vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Knez is a new project being headed by proprietor Peter Knez and winemaker Anthony Filiberti of Anthill Farms. The wines are made with native yeasts and see fairly low levels of new oak, around 30-35%, in other words, very much the same style Filiberti pursues at Anthill. Based on these three wines, it certainly appears Knez is one of the most exciting new entrants on the Sonoma Coast. It will be interesting to see where things go in the coming years, especially as Knez’s Estate vineyard in Anderson Valley comes online with the 2012 harvest. Tel. (707) 895-3494