2016 Genevieve's Block Chardonnay
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Even better, the 2016 Chardonnay Genevieve's Block is a sensational Chardonnay that’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Offering up exotic notes of tangerine peel, honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and mint, this medium to full-bodied 2016 is concentrated, deep, and layered on the palate, with a huge core of acidity. This is another brilliant lineup of wines from the Donelan Family, with the wines made by Joe Nielson. While their estate Obsidian Vineyard was lost in the fires last year, they’re already in the process of planning and replanting the site, and I was thrilled to taste through a small retrospective from what’s unquestionably one of the great terroirs in California. Looking at the 2015s, which are by and large the current releases, these are structured, tannic wines that are going to benefit from short term cellaring.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Genevieve's Block simply sings of jasmine, white grapefruit, kumquat, yuzu and lemon curd with touches of chalk dust and fresh ginger. The medium to full-bodied palate is super intense with a wicked backbone of freshness and an incredibly long, mineral-laced finish.
Donelan's 2016 Chardonnay Genevieve's Block opens with exquisite aromatics. Suggestions of pineapple, lemon confit, white flower and chamomile on the bouquet lead into a core of expressive orchard fruit. Understated, classy and gracious, the 2016 has a lot to offer. French oak and slight reductive accents add nuance, with hints of almond dried pear and slate that develop on the finish. There is so much to like here.