2013 Albatross Ridge, Chardonnay, Estate, Carmel Valley, Monterey County.
The brilliantly clear and elegant Estate Chardonnay by Albatross Ridge shows crisp detail and subtle richness highlighting the cool marine influence and chalky/rocky of the hillside soils. Garrett Bowlus is emerging as one of Monterey’s best young winemakers crafting exciting and delicately natured wines from his Albatross Ridge Estate near the Los Laureles Grade in Carmel Valley, especially his Pinot Noirs, which are gorgeous and full of energy, but you don’t want to overlook his Chardonnay either. This 2013 Estate Chardonnay is medium bodied, but full of flavor and layers with a distinct wet stone core and a loam/chalky element along with classic apple, pear and lemon curd as well as clove spice, vanilla/butterscotch and golden fig. The main take away here is that it never feels heavy or dull in style or feel and that is has a less fruity/creamy presence and more of a Chablis briskness and a cool gravelly almost savory side. Best to enjoy this fresh and lively Chardonnay with seafood cuisine and or creamy expressive cheeses, drink over the next year or so.
($45 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
