2014 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard is one of the most powerful, intense Chardonnays in the lineup. Stylistically, the Valdez is a bit bombastic in its first impression. A veil of reduction hovers over the fruit and adds an edginess that is out of character with the rest of these Chardonnays. There is good intensity, but not quite the nuance of the finest wines in this range. The 2015 is Paul Hobbs' last vintage with this fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard has beautifully expressive cashews and lemon tart notes with underlying nectarines, musk melons, baking bread and acacia honey. Full-bodied and incredibly concentrated, it gives loads of citrus and stone fruit layers with plenty of savory accents and a long, creamy finish.
Again my probable favorite is the 2014 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard. Killer tangerine, orange blossom and honeyed citrus notes are present in this full-bodied, beautifully pure Chardonnay that shows very little evidence of oak, as all of these wines do, even though they’re still in barrel.
The 2014 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard is another big, intense wine. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 finds more finesse in bottle. Honey, chamomile and a host of tropical fruits are all pushed forward. This is a decidedly deep, rich Chardonnay that veers towards the heavier end of the spectrum. Today, the Ulises Valdez comes across as a bit bombastic.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.