Winemaker's Notes
The 1999 Helfer Chardonnay was a ‘ringer’ in a Burgundy lovers’ blind tasting last spring. It was voted #1 in a group of 8 white Burgundies costing as much as $250. The 2000 Helfer Chardonnay is richer, more generous and slightly more ‘Californian’ than the mineral and complex 1999 but still retains the typical star-fruit character and complexity that sets it apart from most other California Chardonnays.
Judi Scherrer –
The Wine Advocate – December 2003
Light straw color is followed by abundant quantities of tropical fruit notes as well as a hint of caramel, medium to full body, and fine texture. It is a lovely California styled chardonnay to drink of the next 1-2 years. 88 points. Robert Parker
Judi Scherrer –
International Wine Cellar – February 2004
Slightly hazy color. Leesy aromas of lemon, smoke and nuts. Dense but quite dry and subtle, with nutty, leesy flavors complicated by a minty nuance. conveys an intriguing saline quality. A rather Burgundian-style chardonnay, finishing with very good length and a slight dryness. 88 points. Stephen Tanzer