Winemaker's Notes
As most of you know, this is the richer of our two Chardonnay bottlings. Mouth-watering acidity on the finish tells you it’s one of our wines, though. This vintage is showing some nice spiciness which should be a welcome partner to holiday foods. While it has some nice pear and starfruit notes, this really showcases the complexity that barrel fermentation offers this variety.
Judi Scherrer –
Prince of Pinot – November 2017
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Noble aromas of green apple, honey, spice and ginger. Delicious flavors of lemon, lychee, apple, honeycomb, toast and caramel in a robustly fruited style with a slightly creamy texture and some finishing persistence. Year in and year out one of Russian River Valley’s best Chardonnay’s, yet lightly recognized. 95 points. Rusty Gaffney
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – February 2018
“A look at our top-rated wines [Chardonnay] shows how Sonoma dominates the landscape… Though the same brands tend to top my annual charts, there are a few new faces. A couple of producers have broken into the highest echelon, most notably Arista and Scherrer”
Lightly aromatic, with peach, fig and nectarine flavors highlighted by spicy toasty oak. Maintains intensity without being weighty. Sails on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 94 Points. Jim Laube
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – April 2018
The 2015 Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard is pretty and lifted in style, with plenty of citrus and floral notes that give the wine its sense of energy and grace. Medium in body and understated, the Helfer speaks in hushed tones that match its reserved personality. 90 points Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
Purely Domestic Wine Report – May 2020
The nose is yellow apple, citrus and coconut with notes of sticky pineapple and chalk. The palate is well-structured yellow fruit, toasted coconut and caramel. Baked apple with well-integrated acidity, finishing with fresh pear. Drink 2020 – 2026. 94 Points. Doug Wilder