2012 Donelan Chardonnay Nancie

A larger cuvée, the 2012 Chardonnay Nancie (1,350 cases) spent time in 3% new oak for ten months. This is a much more restrained style of Chardonnay, coming from 30-year-old vines on Sonoma Mountain. This wine moves in the direction of poached pear, lemon blossom, a touch of nectarine and quince, wet stones – making it Chablis-like. This is another medium-bodied, but beautifully intense, Chardonnay with great acidity and freshness. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Donelan's 2012 Chardonnay Nancie is drop-dead gorgeous. Subtle and layered to the core, the 2012 impresses for its total sense of balance and harmony. Pear, almond and spices flesh out in a nuanced Chardonnay long on class. This is a fabulous showing from Donelan.