Though Chardonnay is ubiquitous
(and popular) there as many iterations as there are wine drinkers. The 2017
Tayson stands out in a crowded field. Winemaker Jeff Ames (formerly of Opus
One) picks at night then whole cluster presses and keeps the fruit and lees in Francois
Frères barrels.
This single vineyard wine
avoids the typical overt citrus fruit (pineapple, lemon-lime) and shuns the heavy
oak and butter treatment, instead making the case for an unusual Chardonnay
that threads the needle - everything is uniquely muted, soft, almost shy. There
are notes of honeysuckle, crystalized ginger, white peach, Meyer lemon, sweet Madagascar
vanilla, and Alpine grass with a delightfully long finish and a supporting
acidity.
“The 2017 Chardonnay is a
fantastic vintage for us as it marks a new era for
our Chardonnay line. The wine is unparalleled to what Chardonnays are
typically known for and this vintage is truly something to experience as it
caters to both the novice wine drinker as well as the sophisticated
aficionado,” says owner Taylor Rothchild. And I agree.
400 Cases
ORIGIN: Napa/Carneros, Calif.
ALCOHOL: 15.3%
PRICE: $65/ 750ML
SCORE: 90 POINTS
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