2020 Chardonnay Ross Station Estate
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Tasting notes
Minerally and stoney on the nose with pears, apples, grapes and red apple skin. Medium body. Solid core of fruit with some salty Meyer lemons. Spices. White salt. Great finish. Drink now or hold.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Matured in 38% new oak, the 2020 Chardonnay Ross Station Estate is scented of panna cotta, toasted almonds, honeysuckle and flint with savory undertones. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and gently grippy, with broad, honeyed flavors. It has seamless acidity and a long, flinty finish. It's a touch less expressive and defined than the other Chardonnays from 2020, so drink it on the earlier side for its generous flavors. 322 cases were made.
Rich, with honey and spice overtones to the peach, melon and citrus flavors, a note of buttery pastry and orange blossom accents. Despite the opulence, a backbone of crispy acidity offers some appealing restraint. Drink now through 2031. 325 cases made.
The 2020 Chardonnay Ross Station Estate is a deep, potent wine endowed with a real core of inner strength that comes through in its phenolic feel. There's real structure here, within the context of the wines here. Apricot, ripe pear, spice and a whole range of soil tones linger on the substantial finish.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.