WINE REVIEW: ETTORE 2021 Chardonnay ‘Reserve’, Mendocino, CA ($42)

by Andrew Chalk

WINERY NOTES

Additionally:

Agronomist Sofia Rivier. Clarified:

1. "For the 2019 Chardonnay Reserve it was 100% new oak since it was the second year of production for us. French oak, 2 different cooperages"

2. "Yes, it has Malolactic Fermentation as well as all our wines. When we say traditional fermentation it’s about alcoholic fermentation. We ferment in a tank and then after malolactic fermentation we rack it into barrels where it will spend 18 months"

In addition, the labeling makes clear that this wine was made with organic grapes.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Medium intensity gold;

Nose: Medium-plus intensity ripe fruit of yellow apple, lemon, apricot, pineapple, vanilla, almond;

Palate: Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium-plus body. Pronounced flavor intensity of peach, oak, pineapple, vanilla ice-cream, brioche. Distinct phenolic backbone. Medium, fruit-led finish.

Ettore had run under my radar hitherto. This wine indicates that they go their own way. It is not stereotypical, and likely easy to spot in a blind lineup.

This is a good quality wine. Drink now.

Sample