772 | Wine | Napa Valley, 2011

"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."

"The Napa Cellars 2011 Pinot Noir has a stunning bright light garnet color in the glass with visible density. This elegant wine delivers beautiful aromas of ripe cherry, sweet tobacco, raspberry and cedar with subtle spice notes. Fresh fruit flavor of deep, red cherry burst open in the mouth and is supported by fantastic acidity. Smooth tannins linger with the pure fruit leading to a long finish of aromatic sweetness and elegance. For a decadent meal, pair this wonderful wine with grilled chicken and sautéed mushrooms for dinner and dark chocolate for dessert."

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"It’s rich, ripe and focused with juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, cocoa and hints of mint all tied together with a creamy french vanilla middle and a finish that in a word is . . . lingering."

"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."