Chardonnay 'Mt. Veeder'

Score

96

"The legacy of Napa Valley was written by those winemakers who pioneered these soils, planting, experimenting, taking L's, and learning the land. is part of this legacy. This winery has been in operation for over a hundred years and has seen a line of caretakers that have always been able to take advantage of the mountain fruit on Mt. Veeder. This Chardonnay shows that the current stewards have the skills to bring this historic winery to the next generation. The nose is fat with minerals and bright fruit welcoming your first sip. It's the mouthfeel that will make you swoon with minimal oak (they use neutral barrels) but enough to kiss your palate. There is a slight grip that holds on for a lingering finish. A great American Chardonnay."

Score

95

"A bouquet of dried white wildflowers, hints of cardamom and salty sea spray and a bright whiff of lemon zest. Bright and beguiling, with savoury saline notes jumping off the palate. Briny oyster shell, fresh tarragon and thyme are given over to candied lemon peel, finishing with savoury, lemongrass intensity. Beautiful and classic. Supple, elegant and fresh from the top of Mt Veeder, this is a California Chardonnay that never goes through malolactic fermentation and does not usually see battonage – all to craft intense, mountain-grown Napa Chardonnay of verve and brilliance. The five Chardonnay blocks are found at elevations between 550 to 640 meters. The wine is 85% whole cluster in only 10% new French oak. It's a brilliant wine and has been for decades."

Score

95

"A broad, generous wine that's also nicely crisp, balanced, intricate and layered. Baked apples, lemon butter, toasted almonds, minerals and an appetizing, chalky edge in the finish. Medium-bodied, long, lingering, layered and complex. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."

Score

93

"I was able to taste two vintages of Mayacamas's Chardonnay. Looking at the 2022 Chardonnay first, its pale gold hue is followed by a beautiful nose of honeyed citrus, persimmon, orange blossom, and spice, with some honeyed minerality and dried herb notes emerging with time in the glass. It's medium-bodied, has a solid spine of acidity, and outstanding length. It's enjoyable today and will evolve gracefully over the coming 10-12 years."

Score

92

"The 2022 Chardonnay is a pretty, soft wine that offers tons of immediacy. Hints of tropical fruit, marzipan, tangerine oil, spice and chamomile show off the riper side of Chardonnay. As always, the malolactic fermentation is almost all blocked, so what comes through is the natural intensity of the year. -Anthonio Galloni"

Score

91+

"Scents of lemon curd and pencil shavings appear on the nose of the 2022 Chardonnay. A lean, lithe effort that weighs in at under 14% alcohol, it's medium-bodied, crisp and clean, with a bright, refreshingly lemony finish. It adheres to the winery's hallmark non-malolactic style and should drink well and evolve nicely over time."

Score

95

Score

94

"Clean, razor-sharp chardonnay with chalky lemons, fresh pineapple, dried tangerine peel, flint and dried herbs. Hints of praline, too. Medium- to full-bodied, crisp and tense with vivid acidity coming through. Chalky minerality. Very dynamic and characterful. Drink or hold."

Score

94

"The 2021 Chardonnay is bright and racy, with a clean, pure style as well as a kiss of good reduction in its citrus, lemon, and tart melon-like aromas and flavors. This Chablis-like Chardonnay will evolve nicely over the coming 10-12 years if well stored."

Score

92+

Score

92

Score

95

Score

92

Score

96

Score

94

Score

92