Mission Codename Haaaaay-nes
Napa Chardonnay! How we’ve missed you. Especially in all your perfectly balanced glory. This has something for everyone. Buttery - but not too much. Crisp, but not spine-tingling. Rich and ripe but not overblown.
AND THE PRICE!!
At 53% off and 93 Points from Dunnuck this drinks like something priced way higher!
Faustini is in the heart of Napa Valley and this Chardonnay comes from Haynes Vineyard in the heart of Coombsville. According to the Historic Vineyard Society after being planted in the mid-1960s, the vineyard has been continually farmed on its original rootstock – making it one of Napa Valley’s oldest Chardonnay Vineyards to be farmed this way.
On the advice of Louis Martini Sr., the Haynes family planted the Wente Clone of Chardonnay which is the favorite of many top producers for its low yields, small bunches, and high concentration of ripe tropical and citrus flavors.
To this day, fruit from Haynes produces classic, age-worthy wines; it has done so for famous names such as Failla, Arnot-Roberts, and Ancien - this Chardonnay from Faustini is no exception.
Do you remember the name Kian Tavakoli from the Vultour Oakville Cab we featured just a couple of weeks ago? Yep, it’s the same winemaker here, the Opus One and Clos du Val alumnus rockstar who makes these Faustini beauties, too.
This weaves together a seamless integration of French oak and wild tropical flavors. On the nose, it’s a flood of apricot, guava, and apple blossom. In the mouth, a round silky texture brings in notes of lemon curd, honeydew, and ever-so-subtle vanilla bean. There are also some lovely nuances of toasty brioche and spiced apple pie hanging around. Simply lovely, and a pleasure to drink. Especially at this price!
Don’t wait on this one - there is only so much to go around with summer just around the corner this will be your go-to bottle to have around!
93 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Moving to the 2018 Chardonnay Haynes Vineyard, which comes from a site in Coombsville, this is a solid step up, offering a beautiful nose of caramelized orchard fruits, lemon curd, charcoal, and honeyed flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, with terrific overall balance and nicely integrated acidity, this is a terrific Chardonnay with loads of class. Enjoy bottles over the coming 3-5 years.”
What the Winery Says
2018 Haynes Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay
- Winemaker
- Kian Tavakoli
- Varietal
- 100% Chardonnay
- Vintage
- 2018
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Appellation
- Coombsville, Napa Valley
- Vineyards
- Haynes Vineyard
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 100% French oak (25% new)