1999 Andersons Conn Valley Chardonnay Napa Valley

The superb, Burgundian-styled 1999 Chardonnay Fournier Vineyard exhibits aromas of white flowers, honeyed citrus, minerals, pineapples, pears, and smoke. This full-bodied, tightly-knit, but impressively-endowed Chardonnay will drink well for 7-8 years. This Conn Valley Chardonnay is admirable for its distinctive personality. It was produced from ripe fruit, (approximately 1,000 cases produced) and does not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged 12 months on its lees, and is bottled after aging in 100% new French oak for 15-18 months. It often reveals a Corton-Charlemagne-like character, tight but impressive power, and the ability to age. There is no doubting that the style of wine built by the father and son team of Gus and Todd Anderson looks more to France than Napa Valley. Their wines always possess obvious structure, seem to build in the bottle, and generally taste better after a few years of cellaring, a positive sign. Because of that attribute, my tasting notes can be conservative for the quality of wines produced at this top-notch source for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and to a lesser extent, Pinot Noir. Tel. (707) 963-8600; Fax (707) 963-7818