2011 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard

The 2011 Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard is gorgeous. Apricot, honey, mint, butter and juicy pear notes meld together in a Chardonnay loaded with distinction and class. The flavors are rich, broad and expansive, but the cooler vintage and blocked-malo style both contribute freshness. This superb, beautifully balanced Chardonnay will drink well upon release and for several years beyond.

The 2011 Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard is a non-malolactic effort exhibiting buttery hazelnut, white peach and smoky notes, medium body, attractive fruit and good richness. While not as stunning as it can be in great years, it is a very good wine to enjoy over the next 2-4 years. Chateau St. Jean offers some fabulous values in their portfolio, particularly for readers interested in Sauvignon Blanc (which they call Fume Blanc), one of California’s finest Pinot Blancs and their generic Sonoma Chardonnay, which is an absolute steal at $15. There’s also a new entry of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that’s slightly more expensive. I tasted six Chardonnays from Chateau St. Jean, and, surprisingly, the least expensive cuvees fared better than the higher priced offerings, although none of them are expensive. The red wines, especially those from the 2011 vintage, are somewhat hit or miss, although none miss by too much. Tel. (707) 833-4134