Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Aged in American Oak Barrels for eight months, this Chardonnay opens with a delightful toasted oak aroma with undertones of fresh thyme. The first sip of this reserve wine delivers crisp green apple flavors that quickly mellow and blend with pleasant buttery tones and a lasting oaky, vanilla finish.
Ratings
88 pts: World Value Wine Challenge;
86 pts: Wine Enthusiast Magazine;
87 pts: Catherine Fallis, Master Sommelier - Planet Grape Wine Review: ""Round, creamy, nutty and lightly oxidative with notes of lemon meringue pie, bananas foster, ginger, peach and dried pineapple."""
Awards
GOLD: 2015 Sommelier Challenge (2014 vintage);
SILVER: 2017 World Value Wine Challenge (2016 vintage);
SILVER: 2015 INDY International Wine Competition (2014 vintage);
BRONZE: 2018 Tastings World Wine Championships (2016 vintage)
Winemaker Notes
“2018 provided many challenges for the harvest season, seeing many grapes picked off the vine a full 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule. Chardonnay was one of those grapes picked in late September to stave off rot. While the acidity was lacking, our Barrel Aged Chardonnay benefited from it. Together with malolactic fermentation, the lower acidity presents a smooth mouthfeel and collaborates well with just the right amount of oak.”
Food Pairing Notes
Pair it with rich dishes like steak bearnaise, veal or lamb chops, and decadent shellfish and risotto - sharp cheddar or blue cheeses also pair well.
Other Notes
Label Image: Indulge in the tranquil quiet of the Adirondacks at a special spot for two overlooking Lake George.