Winemaker's Notes
Seeing the success with the un-inoculated 2009 Helfer Chardonnay fermentation which we started doing (or not doing, according to the point of view of the wine), I decided to apply what we learned to the Scherrer Vineyard bottling as well. I am so happy with this direction that I am kicking myself a little for not going this route earlier. The texture is beautiful and the integration of the small amount of new French Oak and yeast is happening waaaay sooner than it used to. There is a more bright expression to the apple/pear side of the fruit and there are more nuances that peel off of the wine core on the finish. Its youthful appeal causes me to open more bottles of this than I normally do at this stage, yet I do not believe we are sacrificing longer term development with this approach.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – March 2013
Medium-light golden yellow: attractive, floral, herbal, pear and apple aroma with hints of lemon and honeysuckle; medium to medium-full body; fleshy, apple and pear flavors with bright acidity and a slightly plush mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. My score 90. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2013
Light, bright yellow. Heady aromas of pear, melon, peach pit, smoky lees and dusty minerals. Silky orchard fruit and honeydew flavors are lifted by tangy acidity and sharpened by notes of jasmine and bitter citrus zest. Dry, focused and very pure, finishes with impressive clarity and length. 91 points. Josh Raynolds
Judi Scherrer –
The Wine Spectator – November 2013
Pure, clean, rich and deeply flavored, with a mix of ripe apple, pear, fig and honeydew melon notes. This gains and glides on the finish, ending with a delicate aftertaste. Drink now through 2018. 92 points. Jim Laube