2006 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Bright gold. Intensely floral bouquet melds lemon zest, pink grapefruit, mandarin orange and honeysuckle. Powerful and concentrated but energetic, with lively citrus and green apple flavors of noteworthy purity. Surprisingly graceful for a chardonnay with such depth of flavor, finishing with excellent cut and persistence.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard is leaner and more Chablis-like in style. It offers notions of white currants, peaches, and tropical fruits in an austere, less concentrated style than the 2005. A beauty, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years. Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (90), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (95+), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (92+), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard (91), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard (94). Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
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.