Winemaker's Notes
Apple, pear aromas on first whiff lead to a soft entry and a long minerally and persistent finish of the same fruits. There is also a star fruit note and some subtle roasted grains that appear here and there as well. I really enjoy the complexity and relative proportion of things in this vintage of Helfer Chardonnay. I can’t think of a vintage I prefer to this.
Judi Scherrer –
PinotFile – November 2015
Moderate golden yellow hue in the glass. Lovely scent of peach, pear, lemon drop, buttery brioche, vanilla and floral bouquet. Bright and lush flavors of lemon, peach, and complimentary oak, with a welcome cut of acidity adding vibrancy and producing a palate cleansing, citrus fueled finish. Similar to the 2012 vintage, but with a slightly better marriage of fruit and oak, and more riveting fruit flavors. Score: 94 Rusty Gaffney
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2016
High-toned aromatics and a host of orchard fruit, spice, mint and white flowers are all found in the 2013 Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard. Next to the Scherrer Vineyard, the Helfer is brighter and lighter on its feet, but also a bit more diffuse, all of which contribute to its slightly eccentric personality. 89 Points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
The Wine Advocate – October 2016
The 2013 Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard is put through full malolactic, aged in about 50% new oak and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. This is a combination of Old Wente and Dijon clones. This is a hell of a bottle of Chardonnay – cutting a broad swath across the palate, but with no heaviness just precision, plenty of honeysuckle, tangerine oil, white peach and tropical fruit such as subtle pineapple. Crisp, elegant and full-bodied, but pure and rich, with the oak playing a minor role, this is a beauty to drink of the next 5-7 years. 93 Points. Robert Parker