2008 Littorai Chardonnay The Tributary
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Tasting notes
Orange peel, crème brulée, lemon confit, spice and smoke notes are some of the signatures in the 2008 Chardonnay The Tributary Estate Vineyard. Ample and broad on the palate, the 2008 is close to mature in its flavors but has more than enough body and weight to hold on for another few years. I would prefer to drink the 2008 over the next few years, as it is peaking nicely right now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Chardonnay The Tributary Vineyard possesses concentrated white currant, white peach, pear, honeyed citrus, lemon blossom and crushed rock characteristics as well as a liqueur of mineral-like component. This impressive, backward, Chablis-styled, impressive Chardonnay will benefit from another year of bottle age and should drink well for 4-7 years. Again, the production was tiny because of the spring frosts. Winemaker/proprietor Ted Lemon has one of the most impressive resumes in California having produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in that state as well as previously working in Burgundy. His wines consistently represent the best of California’s ripeness combined with Burgundy’s finesse and elegance. His Chardonnay vineyards are all planted in cool micro-climates and his wines are all beautifully made, crisp, elegant, flavorful whites. Moreover, in 2008, Lemon had serious frost issues with nearly one-third of his crop wiped out at Thieriot. Even more extensive damage occurred at the Haven Vineyard. The cool 2009 growing season certainly favored all the Burgundian varietals which was evidenced by what Ted Lemon has achieved with his stylish, elegant 2009 Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 823-9586; Fax (707) 823-9589
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.