This wine truly embraces the concept of “evolution in the glass.”  On the first pour, the wine is reminiscent of cured meats and pepper bacon.  As the wine opens, it develops complex notes of cracked white pepper and dried cherry with hints of blueberry and pomegranate.  Further time yields earthy aromas of mushroom, burdock root, soy and licorice.  On the palate, the wine is round and smooth, with a weighty texture, and notes of fruit leather, baking spice and dried cherries.  Subtlety is not on the menu for this wine, but complexity definitely is, with hints of black plum. dark cherry, culinary herbs and obscure botanicals.  The finish is long and always hints at some new character to discover with the next sip.

Aromatically, this wine leaps from the glass with an intense nose of vanilla beans and brioche layered with honeysuckle and hints of tropical fruit.  The fruit comes to the forefront in the mouth, coupled with a rich, voluminous mouthfeel.  Crisp white peaches, apricots and summer flowers dance on the tongue with hints of decadent vanilla and honey pastries.  The finish is long and lingering with notes of nutmeg and toasted bread.

Truly joyful to drink, this Chardonnay exemplifies the ideal of Balance in wine, presenting the beauty that oak aging can achieve without ever losing its citrus minerality.

Initially, reserved, this wine opens up more with each sip, slowing giving up its secrets and showing incredible depth.  Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity, Concentration.