Winemaker's Notes
Our Chardonnay style is what I would call middle-of-the-road, channeling very complex elements that one can find with this variety while still focusing on the core fruit and maintaining good acidity for a mouth-watering response. Despite the unusually long time in barrel, its appropriate new oak level resides inside the wine’s layers and has proven to age gracefully for a surprisingly long time.
Subtle, pear aroma with a touch of orange blossom on the initial aroma grows to add a hint of lemon-lime. There’s a touch of brioche that really comes up on the mouth. With good grip and initial presence, it gently rolls into a fairly viscous, yet mouth-watering finish. Due to mercurial, turbulent Springtime weather after budbreak and bloom, the crop level was rather small.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – July 2025
The 2022 Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard is laced with ripe apricot, mint, lemon confit and slate. There’s an attractive, light veil of reduction that works well in balancing some of the wine’s natural richness while adding freshness and vibrancy. 94 points. Antonio Galloni