2018 Alpine Vineyard Chardonnay
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The 2018 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is an inspired rendition of Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay. At age six, it is just beginning to unwind and display the potential locked inside. The nose continuously escalates in intensity, giving off exuberant aromas of citrus fruits, orchard blossoms, oyster shells and white flowers. The palate marries a confident, striking, bracing minerality with admirable tension and length. It is a hallmark for the region and a wine that should continue to reward tasters for at least a decade, if not longer.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
1.75 acres (0.7 ha) of Chardonnay is planted to Hyde, Wente and Dijon clones on 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) of topsoil above Purisma shale. The vineyard faces both east and west and sits at an elevation of 1,230–1,400 ft (375–425 m) above sea level. Light greenish gold. Beautifully perfumed with white flowers and a hint of resinous lemony goodness. Beautiful lemon-oil and pine-sap flavours mix with pink grapefruit and citrus pith on top of gorgeous crystalline minerality. Beautiful balance and length, like a chandelier catching the perfect light, this is a scintillating expression of Californian Chardonnay with few peers. (AY)
While from a site not far from the Horseshoe Vineyard, the 2018 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is distinctly different. Where the Horseshoe Chardonnay is exotic and more masculine, this is more seamless, elegant, and classic. Chassagne-Montrachet-like notes of orchard fruits, citrus blossom, toasted bread, flowers, and spice as well as some classic Santa Cruz Mountains minerality dominate the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and has a great finish. It's already approachable, yet its spine of acidity as well as its mid-palate depth all suggest a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking.
The 2018 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard dazzles from start to finish. Tangerine oil, matchstick, wild flowers, sage, chamomile and pineapple are some of the many notes that grace the 2018. In the glass, the 2018 is focused and taut, with striking richness that is just waiting to emerge. In a word: Superb.