2010 El Molino, Chardonnay, Rutherford, Napa Valley.
This stunning Meursault like Chardonnay from El Molino is a seriously good wine that will continue to develop for another 3 to 5 years and drink well over the next decade. Made from estate grapes in Rutherford, this old went clone Chardonnay, which is raised on it’s gross lees and didn’t go through mall, is pure class and elegance from start to finish. The nose has citrus blossoms, brioche, golden fig and touch of hazelnut leading to a full palate of apple, pear, white peach and honeysuckle with lemon curd and a subtle toast. The acidity keeps everything fresh and drives this pretty wine and medium toast French oak, Francois Freres, frames the fruit perfectly. This Chardonnay is a fantastic treat, and I was left utterly impressed, what a sublime effort, a big bravo to the El Molino team, and their 2009 Pinot is a stunner too.
($50 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
