Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
***
2009 Alfaro Family Vineyards Chardonnay “Lindsay Paige Vineyard” Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains.
While the Santa Cruz Mountains are no stranger to world class Chardonnay, especially Mount Eden and Ridge Vineyards, another top Chardonnay continues to impress, the Estate Chards of Richard Alfaro, Alfaro Family Vineyards show fantastic depth and finesse, and the 2009 “Lindsay Paige” is a wonderful wine. Having followed Richard’s progress over the past half a decade now, I have always been a fan of this site and see even greater potential in future vintages as the vines come of age, and his Chardonnay, which mostly comes from Wente clone vines on his estate always stars in his line up of wines. This 2009 vintage is remarkably similar to past vintages, though is a bit fuller in body and maybe a touch longer in finish with lovely white flowers, lemon curd, white peach and tropical notes leading the way with touches of fig, butter, spiced pear, stoney minerals and smoky hazelnuts. The French oak is toasty and present, but not intrusive or unwelcome and there is a tangy tangerine note that adds interest as well. This wine is a stunning and rich effort that gives a lot of pleasure for a more than fair price, drink now and for the next 2 to 3 years.
($25 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
***