by Andrew Chalk
Production: Grapes grown at 900-1400 feet in a vineyard characterized by rocky clay soil where the Petaluma Gap meets Sonoma Mountain.
Color: Gold;
Nose: Butterscotch, toffee.
Palate: Ripe tropical fruit of mango, pineapple. Medium plus body. Medium acid. Medium plus finish. Phenolic backbone.
Overall: Lovers of ‘New World’ or ‘California’ style Chardonnay will fall in love with this example from the tiny Pellet Estate. It exemplifies the power, the symbiosis with the pervasive use of oak, and the winemaker’s craft in its explosive fruit, tacky phenolic screeds on the palate and long finish. Note its price is in pretty rarified air in Chardonnay terms and you, the drinker, will have to decide is here is where your $60 ends up. For some of you, it definitely will be.
Sample