2001 Patz & Hall "Dutton Ranch" Chardonnay
Color: Dark yellow-gold.
Nose: Zippy citrus, berry and perhaps some mint (?) mixed in.
Taste: Ultra silky mouth feel. Deeply concentrated white fruit, lemon and mixed citrus. Beautifully balanced and complex. Lingering creamy finish with hints of honey.
This wine was as near to a perfect Cal Chard as I have ever tasted. Not a trace of overpowering oak, or butter that can irritate the heck out me with respect to Chard offerings from the coast. Not a great match with the tomato salad appitizer, but the wine stood on its own very well. Simply outstanding.
I picked it up in '03 on a recommendation for a Chard that would improve with age. Wish I had more to see how it evolves over the next few years.