Winemaker's Notes
Winner’s Circle is a vineyard owned by an old friend of mine and his business partner. The business partner started a wine brand with the goal of showcasing their grapes and is the only client I make wine for. They are just up Vine Hill Road from Helfer Vineyard, with the same white, powdery twist of Goldridge soil type where white wine varieties truly thrive. Planted to two high-quality clones of Chardonnay, it presents a perfect palette to work with. In 2018 they ended up with more vines set aside for the project than planned. Having had experience with this site the year before, and Helfer nearby for a couple decades, I happily volunteered to take some of the excess to develop under my own label for this vintage.
Fresh apple, baked apple, floral, citrus, earthy and savory notes abound. Seamless progression of flavors, angles to rounds and back again, with a persistent, graceful finish. It is like taking a motorcycle ride on a smooth road with gentle curves, properly banked and freshly paved. ‘Rich, pliant and creamy, with superb balance, the 2018 is flat-out gorgeous. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and chalk all open as this beautifully layered, textured Chardonnay shows off its personality. The 2018 is a stellar effort from Fred Scherrer. Don’t miss it. 94 pts. Antonio Galloni’. Just a few barrels produced
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – April 2021
Rich, pliant and creamy, with superb balance, the 2018 is flat-out gorgeous. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and chalk all open as this beautifully layered, textured Chardonnay shows off its personality. The 2018 is a stellar effort from Fred Scherrer. Don’t miss it. 94 pts. Antonio Galloni