2016 Nicholas Allen Carte Blanche Chardonnay UV Vineyard
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From a great site on the Sonoma Coast, which is also known as the Laguna Vineyard, the 2016 Chardonnay UV Vineyard was barrel fermented and spent 16 months in 30% new French oak. This brilliant wine offers a medium gold color to go with rich, powerful notes of pineapple, crushed rocks, and brioche. It shows more and more minerality with time in the glass, has good acidity, and a concentrated, medium to full-bodied style that’s a joy to drink. It reminds me of a slightly Burgundian style Chardonnay from Mark Aubert. These Carte Blanche releases are made by superstar winemaker Helen Keplinger.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Carte Blanche's 2016 Chardonnay is bright, nuanced and beautifully focused, not to mention absolutely delicious. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and lemon confit all grace this exquisite, classy Chardonnay. The mix of Wente and Robert Young clones works nicely here to produce a Chardonnay of notable complexity and class.
The 2016 Chardonnay UV Vineyard (located six miles from the ocean) aged 18 months in 40% new Burgundian oak barrels. It has gorgeous tropical fruit notes of pineapple, guava and green mango with suggestions of baking bread, toasted almonds and honeysuckle. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with satiny-textured tropical flavors and just enough freshness, finishing long and fruity. 200 cases produced.