2013 MacPhail “Gap’s Crown” Chardonnay

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$47 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

“In the mid-1990s, Winemaker James MacPhail began working as an old-style winemaker’s apprentice, with little formal training. After working with California Pinot Noir legends Mary Edwards and Gary Farrell, and developing a curiosity for cool climate appellations, James launched MacPhail Family Wines, in 2002. Today, MacPhail is part of another family, Hess Family Estates.

“Forging partnerships with growers who share his views of sustainability and the ability of wine to tell its story, he has gained a reputation for notable wines from Mendocino’s Anderson Valley, alongside selections from the true Sonoma Coast. Inquisitive still, he is exploring Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the famed Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara.” (From the Hess web site.)

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Not at
 all shy, (our Gap’s Crown Chardonnay is) more complex and alluring, with a
steely slate backbone balanced by a plush,
rich and creamy texture. French Oak suggests hazelnut nougat, and pleasing notes of dominant lemon curd and meringue are topped with floral notes, accented by white pepper. Not at all sweet (except in appeal), this is a standard-bearer for all who favor a traditionally styled Chardonnay, full of flavor, well-balanced and frankly, let’s just get some in your glass, shall we?”  –James MacPhail

Blend:  100% chardonnay

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