Readers looking for a Chablis-like Chardonnay should check out the 2001 Chardonnay. Its sojourn in French oak is well-concealed by the lemony, tropical fruit scents and flavors. A solid, medium-bodied, cleanly made effort, it should drink well for 1-2 years.
Vintage 1999:
Certainly the richest and most drama6c Saddleback Chardonnay produced to date. Prominent toasty, leesy, vanilla aromas jump from the glass...
Very complex, round and fleshy considering this was produced without malolactic fermentation. A surprising release...
Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority
Vintage 1997:
Ripe tropical fruit and accents of coconut are nicely framed by spicy oak components. Very complex and toasty with well rounded vanilla and butterscotch flavors.
Full and flavorful with loads of fleshy fruit and no malolactic influence... imagine that.
A very pleasant style of Chardonnay that has the acidity to improve over the next 3-5 years.
Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority - 7/98
Full, luscious quality on the nose. Fine oak that touches a substantial mouthful. This is a wine to age. A real powerhouse with a splendid lemon grass-like touch on the palate. Its not often that I'm recommending aging a white wine for more than a year. I would say four or five years easily for the 1997 Chardonnay...
