Winemaker's Notes
Here is another example of great fruit expression in Chardonnay this vintage. Carrying its typical star-fruit calling card, it has nice hints of citrus and a mild hint of roasted oak. But the main focus is the Chardonnay fruit with its apple-pear firmly in the middle of the scene. As much as I admire how well this fine vineyard’s Chardonnays age, I see a lot to like here in the near term as well. It is proving to be an exceptionally good vintage.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2015
White flowers, white pepper, orchard fruit and smoke are all laced together in the 2012 Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard, a wine that shows elements of Burgundian-like reduction and tension. Slate, lime and graphite notes are laced into the super-expressive finish. I recommend opening the Helfer an hour or two in advance and giving a brief decant, especially for readers who may find some of the reductive elements distracting. 93 points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
PinotFile – November 2015
This densely planted vineyard is located in the Vine Hill area. Unfined and unfiltered. Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Clean and fresh, with inviting aromas of lemon curd, nectarine and buttery brioche. Vibrant, complex and flavorful, featuring tastes of lemon, yellow peach, apple, caramel, toast and spice. A quintessential Russian River Valley Chardonnay that offers plenty of fruit goodness, but is not overblown or weighty. Score: 93 Rusty Gaffney