2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
High elevation (600-800 m). Wente clone, no malo, fermented in tank and neutral oak, aged in mostly neutral oak, very little new wood. In this vintage there was still some fruit from a very old vineyard that was subsequently pulled up because the yields were so low. This was re-released spring 2016 – they always re-release some bottles of the Chardonnay at five years and the Cabernet at 10 years. Mid gold. Really complex, toasty, nutty aroma and becoming honeyed in the glass. Like old champagne but with a cedary character. Has a sort of Encruzdo qaulity to it – that pine note allied to high acidity. Direct and very long. Beautifully fresh and focused even with the power. An attractive sour freshness on the finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Now with a few years in bottle, the 2008 Mayacamas has developed lovely shades of nuance and texture. Candied apricots, honey, roasted almonds, mint and spices all take shape in a layered, expressive Chardonnay with a lovely oiliness and solid balance. Tasting the 2008 today is really like stepping into the past, as the wine is incredibly transparent in both its charms and slight flaws. While certainly a good wine, the 2008 is a bit rustic and nowhere near as polished as today's Chardonnays.
Bright, pale yellow-green. Aromas of lime ice, anise and toast, plus a hint of marrow; not a fruity style. Weighty but dry, with taut flavors of citrus peel, menthol, stone and spices. This baby is uncompromisingly dry but is too rich to call austere. Lay this down.