CHAMISAL VINEYARDS
Edna Valley, California, USA
Chamisal made history in 1973 as the first winery in Edna Valley to plant grapevines. As farmers and stewards of the land, Chemical is constantly striving to find its highest and best use. Their unique soil types and proximity to the ocean have convinced them that it's Chardonnay. At Chamisal, they are committed to growing truly world-class Chardonnay and showcasing each vineyard's unique characteristics. Chamisal Vineyards has been SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified in the vineyards since 2010 and were the second-ever winery to be SIP-certified in 2016, though the winery has always gone above and beyond the requirements to maintain the health of their vineyards and improve biodiversity in the area. Sustainable practices at Chamisal Vineyards include the use of compost, cover crops, minimal organic fertilisers, a rooftop solar array and the introduction of drought-tolerant rootstock and moisture-sensors to mitigate irrigation needs, as well as a water-recapture system that reclaims 100 percent of winery process water for irrigation needs.
This countywide blend offers elegant aromas of lavender, rose petal, tart cranberry skin, pomegranate and mint. Flavors of raspberry and more pomegranate grace the palate, with light touches of flowers, licorice and gamy meat completing the experience. WE 94
Creamy aromas of browned buttermilk, toasted almonds and seared lemon show on the lush but balanced nose of this bottling. The palate is fuller bodied, with rounded flavours of macadamia nut and salt cut by grapefruit and white melon freshness, as vanilla brioche pops on the finish. WE 93
The Estate Chardonnay entices with aromas of caramel, allspice, nutmeg and lemon peel that mingle with a flinty character for a tempting bouquet. On the palate, the wine is generously yet judiciously oaked to create a luxurious, soft, and full body with notes of lemon marmalade, stony minerality and a fresh finish.
This is a delicious wine on all fronts, starting with the nose, which presents the aroma of white peach drizzled in lemon juice, sprinkled with sea salt and warmed on a cedar plank. The palate combines toasted almond, sea salt and preserved lemon flavors with a zesty acidity, full mouthfeel and vanilla-kissed finish. WE 94
A clean, bright, and refreshing chardonnay that bursts with aromas of honeysuckle, green apple, and hints of lime zest. Lifted notes of citrus and white peach on the palate mingle with a hint of salinity that balances with a crisp acidity, leading a long and vibrant finish. WE 92
The Estate Chardonnay entices with aromas of caramel, allspice, nutmeg and lemon peel that mingle with a flinty character for a tempting bouquet. On the palate, the wine is generously yet judiciously oaked to create a luxurious, soft, and full body with notes of lemon marmalade, stony minerality and a fresh finish.
The flagship wine of the estate. Dried lemon, hints of almond and a brush of sour cream make for a very clean and intriguing nose on this bottling. The palate combines toasted wood, baked lemon and yellow-cake aromas, with pinches of salt and brown spice adding even more warmth.
RP 93, WE 92
Dark cherry, damp earth, soy-soaked mushroom and violet aromas make for a complex nose on this bottling. There's a solid tension to the palate, where black cherry, cedar and savoury dried meat flavours combine into a bold expression.
A clean, bright, and refreshing chardonnay that bursts with aromas of honeysuckle, green apple, and hints of lime zest. Lifted notes of citrus and white peach on the palate mingle with a hint of salinity that balances with a crisp acidity, leading a long and vibrant finish.
WE 92
Lime zest, green apple, passionfruit and a light floral note on the nose shows the purity of fruit with stainless steal use in the winery. The palate showcases the ability of a chardonnay to be crisp but retain opulence without the influence of oak with a surprisingly round entry followed by long, linear acidity. The finish is clean with a hint of salinity.
WE 90
This is a soft and evolving Chardonnay. Toasted oak and crème brûlée on the nose that goes into a palate that is fruit driven with lemon cream, Fuji apple, ripe pineapple, and baked pears. Rich and creamy with lingering acidity, broad texture and finishing clean.
TP 93, RP 91, WS 90
This countywide blend offers elegant aromas of lavender, rose petal, tart cranberry skin, pomegranate and mint. Flavors of raspberry and more pomegranate grace the palate, with light touches of flowers, licorice and gamy meat completing the experience.
WE 94
Dark cherry, damp earth, soy-soaked mushroom and violet aromas make for a complex nose on this bottling. There's a solid tension to the palate, where black cherry, cedar and savoury dried meat flavours combine into a bold expression.