Mission Codename Check, check and check!
Complete, is the word that describes this Chardonnay best. No wonder it was a Mike Grgich made Chardonnay that won the greatest blind tasting test ever (1976 Judgement of Paris, as featured in the movie Bottle Shock) for California wine against their French counterparts. Juicy acidity? Check. Creamy texture? Check. A kiss of oak? Check. Richness, length, and complexity? Check, check and check!
Glimmering golden, with traces of diamond-like brilliance lighting up like sparks. A knockout nose of crystallized lemon peel, ripe apple, Bosc pear, peach and lavender, followed by a palate that is texturally compelling and authoritative with harmonious acidity, honey and smoke. Finishes with palate-staining persistence, minerality, finesse and a perfect balance. Pair this stunning Chardonnay with a poached fillet of halibut, smothered in beurre blanc, with saffron lemon rice and sweet corn.
There is absolutely not a single elemental part of what defines a pure Napa Chardonnay bliss missing here, nor anything in excess. Alright, alright, if we HAD TO find one thing shy of complete, it’s the $10 bill you save off the retail price!
Here’s what the wine press has to say.
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast - “Editors Choice! This divine and complex white delivers tones of almond paste, sea salt, lime and tangerine that are balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity. This is a well-balanced, food-friendly wine that impresses from start to long finish.”
What the Winery Says
2015 Napa Valley Estate Grown Chardonnay
- Winemaker
- Ivo Jeramaz
- Varietals
- 100% Chardonnay
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Abv
- 13.5%
- pH
- 3.36
- TA
- 6.5g/L
- Sugar
- 22.5 ̊ Brix (average)
- Aging
- 10 months in 75% new French oak
- Harvest date
- August 25 - September 12, 2015
- Bottling date
- August 2016
- Release date
- July 2018