2008 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard

2009 just shipped. Reasonably refined. Chewy finish. Some real grunt and texture to this wine. (JR)

Littorai's 2008 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard showed attractive lemon, smoke and mineral notes overlayed with subtle hints of French oak. It paired beautifully with our first two appetizers, but was at its most satisfying when paired with the Cappellini with Bottarga. The rich, deep flavors of fish roe needed an intense wine, and the Littorai was striking with this pasta dish.

The 2008 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard (a well-known site planted with old Wente clones that Ted Lemon was the first to exploit) exhibits terrific notes of honeyed citrus, unbuttered popcorn, peaches, white currants and quince with wet stone-like characteristics in the background. Medium to full-bodied and complex, this beautiful white should drink nicely for 7-8 years. Winemaker/proprietor Ted Lemon has one of the most impressive resumes in California having produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in that state as well as previously working in Burgundy. His wines consistently represent the best of California’s ripeness combined with Burgundy’s finesse and elegance. His Chardonnay vineyards are all planted in cool micro-climates and his wines are all beautifully made, crisp, elegant, flavorful whites. Moreover, in 2008, Lemon had serious frost issues with nearly one-third of his crop wiped out at Thieriot. Even more extensive damage occurred at the Haven Vineyard. The cool 2009 growing season certainly favored all the Burgundian varietals which was evidenced by what Ted Lemon has achieved with his stylish, elegant 2009 Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 823-9586; Fax (707) 823-9589