WINE REVIEW: Gehricke, 2015 Chardonnay, Chalk Ridge Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($49)

by Andrew Chalk

Look at the vintage on this. It is a current (re)release that demonstrates how Gehricke wines age.

Hand-picked, whole cluster pressed, and then transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation. Barrel aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak.

An ‘ideal type’ for a New World style of chardonnay. Loaded with ripe fruit, New French oak, and tropical fruit flavors. A good value in the genre.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Gold. Long legs (14% ABV).

Nose: Vanilla, tropical fruits (mango, pineapple)

Palate:Lemons, buttery flavors.

Sample.