2012ArnotChard2012 Arnot-Roberts, Chardonnay, Watson Ranch, Napa Valley.
The team of Nathan Roberts and Duncan (Arnot) Meyers continue to craft amazing California wine that respect terroir and vintage, these hand made are some of the most pure expressions of varietal and place found in the state. These guys make fantastic stuff, but while I love all their wines from Syrah to Cabernet, along with Trousseau and other unique selections, it is their Chardonnay that might be their best offerings, especially this 2012 Watson Ranch a small lot wine from the southern part of Napa Valley, close to the bay, it is a remarkable and pleasing Chardonnay of style, finesse and vibrancy. The nose starts with white flowers, bright citrus, honeyed pear and clove spice leading to a vivid and zesty palate of lemon, green apple and white peach along with a steely mineral tone, hints of brioche, fig, creme and hazelnut. While brisk and clear, it does round out with air and gain depth and richness without being heavy or losing it’s sharp focus, this is superb Chardonnay of class and distinction. Not all that surprising considering Duncan spent some time with John Kongsgaard, and that this wine is made with whole clusters and fermented with natural occurring native yeasts, then aged in neutral French oak. I highly recommend sampling the whole line of Arnot-Roberts, but without question you should find some of the Chardonnay, these are rare and delicious wines that merit praise and attention.
($35 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

 

avail at www.sfwtc.com

By admin