Sunday, August 28, 2011

2008 Alysian Starr Ridge Vineyard "Clone 95" Chardonnay

Gary and Debbie Farrell purchased the 23 acre Starr Ridge vineyard in the Russian River Valley in 1996. The vineyard is planted to Dijon Clone Chardonnay and some Pinot Noir as well. This wine was aged in 100% French oak (40% new and 60% one and two year old) barrels for 10 months.

On the nose I get fantastic aromas of white donut-peach, guava, caramel ribbon candy, honey, toasted oak, and butterscotch. The bouquet is complex and from the moment I put the wine up to my nose I instantly new it was a high quality Chardonnay.

On the palate the wine touches down with a intense dose of baked apple, butterscotch, and toasted oak flavors. There are secondary notes of meyer lemon, mineral, and caramel that also impress. The acidity is well in balance and the wine finishes with long drawn out butterscotch and citrus notes. 92 points

Click here to find out more about this wine