2009 Benovia Winery Chardonnay La Pomeraie
Russian River, Sonoma, CA
 
WB Rating: 91

 
Alcohol by volume: 14.5%
Price at time of purchase: $45.00 (from winery)
 
Type: Chardonnay
Principal varietal(s): Chardonnay

This wine is made from grapes grown at the Martinelli vineyard off Frei Road in the Green Valley AVA of the Russian River Valley (Zio Tony Ranch). In both of two recent tastings, it needed time to air out and develop in the glass to show its quality. When first opened its aromas seem dominated by oak and lees components: lemon-curd and bitter hazelnut, quite Meursault-like. With airing, though, and more in the mouth than the aromas, a beautiful fruit character emerges, a subtle mix of mango, apricot, banana, and lemon/orange cream pie. Viscous and full in the mouth. I loved the wine, but it got mixed reviews at a recent dinner; some found the oak and nuttiness bitter-tinged and overdone. - HK 2013-09-07

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