2018 Chardonnay Kathryn Hermann Cuvee
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Tasting notes
Old Wente clone made by their ‘black Chardonnay’ (fully oxidised initially) method and aged for 23 months in French oak (20% new) followed by six months in stainless steel on the fine lees. Essentially the same wine as the Chehalem Mountain but with another 11 months in oak. Very introvert but refined nose. Tingling excitement here. A certain Riesling build with the acidity more prominent than in the Chehalem Mountain 2018. Really very fine with just a little bit of steeliness. Bitter grapefruit pith on the finish – in a good way! This fruit can really stand a long stint in oak. Very persistent indeed. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Beautifully vivid and pure lemon and grapefruit aromas here with a fine, flinty edge, together with sliced lime, wet stones and subtle hazelnut. The palate is striking for the concentration and fleshy build, as well as the way it maintains focus and holds the finish. A great chardonnay, every way you look at it. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Chardonnay Kathryn Hermann Cuvée is a barrel selection aged about 23 months in a single Damy puncheon. The nose is intoxicating with its slowly blossoming aromas of guava, honeycomb, roasted almonds and loads of floral perfume laced with flint and exotic spices. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded, broad, silky and seamlessly fresh with slowly opening, detailed flavor layers that extend through the very long, energetic finish. It's a beautifully expressive wine that offers savory, mineral-laced fruits with a frame that will carry it several years in bottle. 50 cases were made.