Winemaker's Notes
Golden colored, lime zest with light custard notes, almost like a lime-infused crème brulée. While rich and textural, it retains a real bright energy and boasts a very long finish. In these days of polarization of stylistic politics, this is a wine one can like without choosing sides of the fence to drink on. This winter, this wine will be a nice respite from heavier fare commonly focused upon. This vintage presents itself a bit more forward than the 2015 at this stage. It still has a lot of lift and energy, but there seems to be more comfortable mid-palate richness that usually comes in a year or so.
Over the past decade I have really gone into a longer than typical barrel aging regime for this wine. It really harmonizes the elements well and allows both the uninoculated alcoholic and the uninoculated malolactic fermentations to complete well before bottling. By stretching out the latter, I feel the barrel, lees and fruit elements are better integrated and harmonized.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – March 2019
Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, fresh cut green apple aroma with notes of citrus and a hint of crème brulée; medium to medium-full body; crisp, nicely balanced, citrus and apple flavors with a light trace of creamy oak in the rich, plush mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. My Score: 17 [90/100] Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – May 2019
The 2016 chardonnay Scherrer Vineyard is soft, pliant and inviting, all of which make it a good choice for drinking over the next handful of years. There is a good bit of Alexander Valley structure that gives the orchard fruit and lemon peel flavors phenolic energy and intensity. Savory and deep, the 2016 is a very pretty and expressive wine from Fred Scherrer. 91 points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
Purely Domestic Wine Report – May 2020
The nose is leaner conifer, mint, citrus and dusty pulverized stone. The palate is clean and dense peach, nectarine with dry citrus and mineral core. Green apple and toasted vanilla on the finish. Almost water-like leanness. Drink 2020 – 2026. 94 Points. Doug Wilder