2009 Littorai Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard

The 2009 Chardonnay Charles Heintz flows across the palate with sweet apricots, honeysuckle and spices. This a decidedly voluptuous Chardonnay that impresses for its silkiness and pure, caressing finish, all in the gracious style that is hallmark of the Littorai wines. The Charles Heintz is one of the more forward of the 2009 Chardonnays and it is probably best enjoyed over the next few years.

The 2009 Chardonnay Charles Heintz flows across the palate with sweet apricots, honeysuckle and spices. This decidedly voluptuous Chardonnay impresses for its silkiness and pure, caressing finish, all in the gracious style that is the hallmark of the Littorai wines. The Charles Heintz is one of the more forward of the 2009 Chardonnays and it is probably best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Ted Lemon. These are some of the most refined, polished Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs being made in California today. I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. Lemon describes 2009 as a mild season with prolonged bloom that resulted in considerable shatter and a high amount of shot berries. There was no real heat to speak of in September. The 2010s were harvested during the first two weeks of October, much later than the 2009s. I also tasted a handful of 2010 Pinots from tank that appear promising, even if stylistically they aren’t as generous as the 2009s. Tel. (707) 823-9586; www.littorai.com

(13.7% alcohol; from 26-year-old vines): Bright, pale yellow with a green tinge. Lovely floral lift to the delicate aromas of fresh apricot and white peach. Densely packed, sappy and light on its feet, with a saline quality and lovely cut giving this chardonnay considerable subtlety. Finishes suave and long. These vines are "almost dry-farmed," noted Ted Lemon.