2017 Merryvale Chardonnay Silhouette
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From the Stanly Ranch and Heintz vineyard (both in Carneros), the 2017 Chardonnay Silhouette is a classic Napa Valley Chardonnay that has a Montrachet-like slant in its rich orchard fruits, toasted nut, brioche, and white flower-driven aromas and flavors. Brought up in 40% new French oak, it has a medium to full-bodied, rounded, sexy texture, terrific sweetness of fruit, and a great finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2017 Chardonnay Silhouette is a pretty bold wine that shows the racier side of Chardonnay in its tropical, buttery profile. This tasty, expressive Carneros Chardonnay will drink well right out of the gate. Orange peel, passion fruit, vanillin and new oak build into the flamboyant finish.
This bottling represents the best Chardonnay fruit of the vintage. The 2017 Chardonnay Silhouette comes mostly from Stanly Ranch Estate vineyard plus some fruit from Hyde vineyard in Carneros. The wine fermented in barrel with native yeasts and full malolactic. It aged 16 months with the full lees in 40% new French oak. It gives up forward fruit notes of guava, fresh pineapple and honeydew melon with hints of peach kernel, lime leaves and chopped nuts with a touch of cedar. Medium-bodied, the palate has a seriously racy line of freshness cutting through the intense tropical and stone fruit flavors, finishing long and toasty. 700 cases produced.