2017 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast was barrel fermented and aged in neutral oak for 15 months. It gives scents of white blossoms, Golden Delicious apple, cheese rind, wet stone and peachy notes. It's light to medium-bodied with pure fruits and toasty/creamy accents, with racy acidity on the lime peel-laced finish. 210 cases produced.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Based largely around the Riddle Vineyard in the Occidental region of the Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is a medium-bodied, pure, beautifully balanced Chardonnay that readers should snatch up. Ripe citrus, lemon, pineapple, and floral notes all define the bouquet and the wine is medium-bodied, with bright, integrated acidity and a great finish. Talk about value.
The 2017 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) from Rivers-Marie is a fabulous wine in its peer group. Rich, intense and full of flavor, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay packs a serious punch. Orchard fruit, crème brûlée, butter, tangerine and yellow flowers all develop in a deeply-layered, resonant, utterly gorgeous Chardonnay. Although labeled as an appellation Chardonnay, all the fruit for the Sonoma Coast bottling comes from Riddle. More importantly, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a great example of just how compelling the 2017 vintage is at the top for Sonoma's Burgundian varieties. And the $30/bottle price range? Insane.