
2011 Chehalem Reserve Chardonnay
2011 is the epitome of an "ageable vintage" as far as we are concerned, and our Reserve tier is the most age-worthy of all the Chehalem wines. This Reserve Chardonnay lightly accents the beautiful French oak used for fermentation and aging, but completes the wine with elegant fruit and focused acid and structure.
Baking spice and warm dry oats play on the nose, leading to sweeter aromas of dulce de leche and flaky apple pie. There's sweet wood and vanilla on the palate, linked with pear, quince jam, and peach pit, perhaps reminiscent of peaches and cream. The finish is long, round, and lingering, mid-palate weight is persistent, and ripe acids tightly knit the complete package.
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
91 Points - Wine Spectator