Grgich Hills Estate 2010 Napa Chardonnay Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting” of 1976. Then, in a now-historic blind tasting, a panel of eminent French judges swirled, sniffed, and sipped an array of the fabled white Burgundies of France and a small sampling of upstart Chardonnays from the Napa Valley. When their scores were tallied, the French judges were shocked: they had chosen the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, as the finest white wine in the world. Mon Dieu! The results stunned the international wine establishment and immediately earned Mike a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.…
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Patz & Hall 2012 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay I recently reviewed Patz & Hall 2011 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, see July 22, 2014. I thought the wine was impressive, but in 2012 the growing season was longer and cooler allowing the winemaker to pick the fruit at the peak of ripeness. As luck turned out I was eating dinner at Delmar restaurant in Chatham, MA, on Cape Cod, and their wine list had Patz & Hall’s Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, but listed the 2011 vintage. I asked the bartender Tim to root around and see if they might have the 2012 vintage. Eureka, Tim came back with a 2012 Dutton Ranch. Founded by…
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Stags’ Leap Winery 2012 Napa Chardonnay Stags’ Leap Winery, (note the placement of the apostrophe), produces the Chardonnay I will review today. The use of “Stags Leap” may be confusing. Another nearby winery named, “Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars” produces excellent wines as well, also note the placement of that apostrophe. Lastly, there is the Stags Leap District, which is the name of the appellation where the two aforementioned wineries are located. The Stags Leap District (no apostrophe) is renowned for producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, is located between the Napa River and the Stags Leap Palisades. One of California’s earliest wine estates, a unique terroir and ideal microclimate support…
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Patz & Hall 2011 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay Russian River Valley I recently reviewed Patz & Hall 2012 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, see July 11, 2014. I was impressed by this wine I had to try Patz & Hall’s Dutton Ranch Chardonnay and was able to grab a 2011 vintage. Founded by 4 individuals Patz & Hall is one of California’s premier wineries. In 2011 the growing season was extremely cool resulting in a very small crop, with tiny berries in small clusters. Such low yields heighten the wine’s concentration, density and texture. Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, is one of several single vineyard Chardonnay’s offered by Patz & Hall. Opening a bottle…
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Patz & Hall 2012 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Patz & Hall was founded in 1988 by four individuals; Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Together, they have turned Patz & Hall into one of California’s premier wineries, with a renowned portfolio of single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The seeds for Patz & Hall were planted in the 1980s when assistant winemaker James Hall and national sales manager Donald Patz struck up a close friendship while working together at Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards. The two discovered a mutual enthusiasm for a rich and compelling style of wine made by applying traditional winemaking techniques to fruit from elite,…
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Fess Parker Sta. Rita Hills 2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay Family run winery established in 1989 by the late Fess Parker. Fess is best known for his portrayal of the frontiersmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone during the 1950’s and 1960’s and made him a legion among millions of adoring fans. Fess Parker was originally from Texas, attended the University of Texas and did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy during WWII and moved to California in the 1950’s and began acting. After his acting career was winding down, Fess, in 1986, opened a resort hotel in Santa Barbara on 23 ocean front acres. In 1989 Fess’ next adventure lured…
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Ferrari-Carano 2012 Sonoma Chardonnay One of my absolute favorite California Chardonnay’s is the Ferrari-Carano offering from Sonoma County. Today I will comment on the 2012 vintage. (Note: They also make a Reserve Chardonnay from Napa, which is bigger and buttery and I will reserve specific comments for another day). The Ferrari-Carano Winery was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano and is located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. If you enjoy pairing food with wine, be sure to visit the Ferrari-Carano website where Rhonda has a number of recipes. So if you are adventurous and have a passion for good food and wine, then try some of her…