2012 Charles Smith Wines Chardonnay Sixto Frenchman Hills
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Of the three Sixto Chardonnay releases, the 2012 Chardonnay Frenchman Hills Vineyard comes from the highest elevation site and cool, north-facing slopes and broken basalt soils. Seeing a scant 17% new French oak, it has lively, crisp notes of green citrus, toasted bread and buttered apple to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced, fresh, yet also rich style on the palate. One of the top Chardonnays coming out of Washington, it should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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(from 18-year-old vines planted to a Wente clone on a north slope at an altitude of 1,650 feet; aged in 15% new French oak, all puncheons): Bright greenish gold. Inviting aromas of apple, apricot, lime and butterscotch. Plush, velvety and sweet on the palate, boasting excellent fullness and breadth but with a limey edge giving shape to the mouth. This silky wine is long on personality. Finishes firm and long. Sixto is Charles Smith’s new Chardonnay project, with Brennon Leighton, who was responsible for many superb white wines during his years at Efesté, in charge of the winemaking. None of these wines were acidified, according to Leighton, as natural acidity levels were high.