3 | Wine | White, Napa Valley, 2011

"Inviting aromas of citrus, Golden Delicious apple, vanilla, and subtle spice from the toasted oak draw you in. Delicate mineral and lemon-lime are hidden behind star jasmine and honeysuckle notes."

"Aromas of hazelnut and grilled pineapple are followed by flavors of lush, tropical fruits, balanced by a hint of citrus. A rich, creamy mouthfeel is rounded out by a lengthy, elegant finish."

"This graceful Chardonnay opens with aromas of fresh-cut Honey Crisp apple, citrus, toasted vanilla bean and hints of poached Comice pear and lilac. The wine has a full entry with flavors of ripe apple and delicate oak notes. There is a nice balance to the acidity and minerality that enhances the freshness and elegance of this wine. The long finish is reminiscent of Nilla wafers with banana cream pudding."

"Aromatics are the order of the day for our Napa chardonnay, which speaks loudly of our cool climate, marine-influenced vineyard. Oaks take a lesser role in recent vintages, and we celebrate the fresh, crisp style that complements many foods by allowing less than a quarter of the wine to undergo malolactic fermentation. Bright fruits boasting of pear and green apple are accented with a bit of citrus zest and honeybell, balanced with a creamy brioche and touch of vanilla. We age the wine in mostly neutral French oak to enhance mouthfeel. This is the new face of California chardonnay, a wine to enjoy as an apéritif or as a worthy complement to wonderful presentations of your favorite dishes."

"As with the prior vintage, 2011 Signature Chardonnay was shaped by a cool, slow-ripening season and displays intricate aromatics and rich, persistent flavors. A tempting bouquet mingles lemon blossom and jasmine with citrus, then unfolds intriguing notes of nutmeg and quince. Generous flavors of lemon custard, pears and apples are wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel, while a streak of stony minerality gives the wine zest and complexity. The oak is exceptionally well-integrated, offering spicy qualities that linger on the finish."

"Our 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with fresh, creamy aromas of ripe pear, apple and citrus, with light butter, yeast and spicy oak tones adding complexity. The wine’s rich, focused, green apple, melon and guava flavors are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and a piquant mineral tone. Both mouthfilling and elegant, this quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay is delectable now, but it will develop even greater complexity with another 5-8 years’ bottle age."

"Aromas of pear, lime and orange blossom mingle with subtle floral notes and the perfect amount of sweet toasty oak and vanilla. On the palate, intensely forward fruit and bright natural acidity complement each other and lead to a long rich finish."

"Antica’s 2011 Chardonnay is laced with lemon peel, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks. In this vintage, the estate’s Chardonnay is especially rich and powerful, largely because the irregular flowering lowered yields by 50%. This is an unusual Chardonnay that is bright in its aromas and flavors but fairly broad-shouldered in style."

"Ripe tree fruit and heady notes of baked apple are supported by layers of caramel, brown spice and toasted oak flavors."