2014 Boars' View Chardonnay
A deep golden hue, the 2014 Boars’ View Chardonnay bursts from the glass with notes of pineapple, peach, and poached pears. The natural acidity dances on the palate and combines with the buttery mouthfeel to display incredible natural balance. The Paate is rounded out by butterscotch and caramel flavors that continue to remain throughout the impressive finish. One of our finest examples of this wine to date, the 2014 Boars’ View Chardonnay is a stunner.
The 2014 growing season provided a constancy of ripening leading to wine of exquisite natural balance, varietal purity, and expressive character. The vines were cropped to under two tons per acre and all-natural, low impact winemaking practices were implemented. Exemplifying Thomas’ signature style, and like the Boars’ View Pinot Noir, the Chardonnay was bottled unfined and unfiltered, presented in its natural form.
The Boars’ View vineyard is ideally situated well above the fog belt of the pacific coast on a gentle sloping cornice that enjoys optimal sun exposure. Temperate maritime conditions protect the vineyard from winter’s chill and offer natural cooling from the summer’s heat. The result is a very early bud-break followed by a long and moderate growing season. The vineyard is comprised of three distinct soils, predominantly Goldridge Loam perfectly suited to Pinot Noir, threads of pebbly gravel, and a small section of coastal clay ideal for growing Chardonnay.
Rated 93 pts. The 2014 Chardonnay tips the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol and was aged 16 months in 100% Françios Frères cooperage. Not much was made, so I will keep the tasting note short, but it is a classic Old Wente-style of Chardonnay offering up notes of pineapple, white peach, honeysuckle and caramelized citrus in a medium to full-bodied, pure, rich style with plenty of texture and length. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.
— Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Rated 94 pts. A full, rich, buttery style, where the toasty oak adds allure and texture, joining with pure green apple, melon, white peach, anise and fig flavors. A delightful mouthful of Chardonnay. Drink now through 2021.
— James Laube, Wine Spectator