Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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bjornstadchard.gif2007 Bjornstad Chardonnay “Porter-Bass Vineyard” Sonoma Coast (California).
Greg Bjornstad is one of the most talented winemakers in California and a super down to earth guy with loads charm, just like his wines! He was at Flowers and Tandem when they were all the rage and now he consults for some cult Pinot labels, as well as doing small lots of his own wine under his own label. Last year he blew me away at the Pinot Daze tasting in San Francisco with his pure and focused Pinot Noirs with his Sonoma Mountain, Van Der Kamp Vineyard, being my top choice and maybe one of my favorite from the 2006 vintage. His Chardonnay’s have always been some of the best around, but this vintage and this vineyard turned out fantastic giving magical flavors and character that are stunningly unique and sublime in balance and very layered. This wine with rival any Chardonnay from anywhere, in fact it is on par with the Peter Michael Chards and many great Burgundies like Puligny Premier Cru or even some Grand Cru! This wine opens with lots of white flowers, kiwi, orange blossom, pear and white peach with a wonderful palate of the same and more, including apple and tropical fruits. There is everything you could ever ask for in a Chardonnay and more, with subtle fig, mineral and vanilla spice adding to the mix as well. ($40-45 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive

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