Winemaker's Notes
Lately, the Chardonnays have been cleaned out for a month or two between releases [the Chardonnay shelves are looking pretty ‘dry’]. I don’t know if it has more to do with the positive press the Chardonnays have received recently or the increasing satisfaction of those who have been drinking them. The two vineyard–specific bottlings, Helfer and Scherrer, are like two variations of a breed of dog: one coated and the other smooth coated. [No, they don’t smell like dogs.] The Scherrer presents itself a little leaner and more penetrating, while the Helfer is more layered and textural.
While the 2011 vintage presented challenges very late in the season, both Chardonnay vineyards were harvested well before any thought of rain surfaced. It captures a really nice, cool growing season which shows most in the crisp acidic backbone that carries the wine’s pear, citrus zest notes with great continuity. There is nice texture and some roasted grain nuance that support the fruit not unlike how a pie crust supports the filling. I really love where it is right now, even at this very early stage with only one year in bottle.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – July 2014
Medium-light to medium golden yellow; forward, earthy, baked apple and ripe pear aroma with toasty notes and a hint of butterscotch; medium-full body; initially plush and fleshy in the mouthfeel with toasty, green apple flavors, firm acidity, and a slight harshness on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. My score 89. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – June 2014
This has a rich, creamy core of fig, apricot and baked apple flavors, with smoky-cedary oak nuances. The wood presence is still raw, but time should round out the edges. Drink now through 2020. 89 Points. Jim Laube
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – June 2014
Pale yellow. High-pitched aromas of tangerine, pear, ginger and anise, with a suave floral quality emerging with air. Smooth and fleshy on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering juicy orchard fruit and melon flavors with a bracing touch of lemon zest. Finishes with very good energy, breadth and length, leaving a note of tarragon behind. 90 points. Josh Raynolds