2012 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard
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Tasting notes
First bottle: Quite toasty and almost a hint of Marcassin on the nose! Quite a rich start on the nose and then massive acidity on the palate. Hint of honey. Recalls Michael Cruse’s sparkling Ultramarine, even though this is a still wine! Sweet and sour elements but quite rich and full. 16.5+ Second bottle much fresher and more impressive. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
One of the classic Chardonnay sites of California, Heintz Vineyard reliably offers notes of citrus curd with celery salt accents. Littorai’s rendition carries a creamy mid palate, great palate tension with vibrancy, lots of mouthwatering acidity, and an ultra-long finish. (ECB)
Graphite, petrol, smoke, orange peel and a host of tropical-inflected flavors blossom in Littorai's 2012 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard. Exotic and oily on the palate, the Charles Heintz impresses for its complexity and sheer personality. I expect the 2012 will develop even more nuance in bottle over the coming years, but it is already compelling and full of character.
(13.5% alcohol): Light-medium yellow. Aromas of pear, nutmeg, ginger, jasmine tea and minerals, with a riper pineapple element emerging with air. Dense, fat and classically dry, with a lemon drop flavor complicated by sexy leesy nuances. Not hugely concentrated but very well balanced and lively, with the acidity to bite into cream sauces.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.