91+ 2009 Odonata Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard (Santa Cruz Mtns) 6/16/12 ($24)
14.2% alc
Color: Deep 18kt gold. (3.5) Bouquet: Toasted nuts, spice and minerals complement slightly restrained pear and a hint of tart apple. (3.0) Body: Excellent viscosity and minerally acidity in a light heavyweight package with very good fruit. (3.5) Flavor: A bit more austere than the bouquet with a touch of alcohol showing. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor with fruit being overshadowed by intense minerality. (3.0)
Overall: Concentrated mineral and stone flavors combined with viscosity in the mouth make this impressive, but a bit austere at this point with restrained fruit and some bitterness in the finish. Reminiscent of a young Grand Cru Chablis. Tasty now if you decant it for a few hours, but should reward 4-6 years bottle age as the austerity fades and the fruit opens. (16.0)
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