Like finely woven silk, this offers beautiful texture, sublime balance and integration. Rich apple pastry, candied orange peel, crystallized honey and dried apricot flavors are layered with hints of smoke, sea salt and toasted nut. Lovely, with a fresh, persistent finish. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
**Note: A 50-50% blend of chardonnay and pinot noir aged for 12 years, SRP $199**
Very mild reduction doesn't prevent the pretty raspberry and strawberry aromas to be appreciated. There is a very fine bead and associated mouth feel to the classy and delicious flavors that possess excellent depth on the serious, restrained and impressively persistent finish. This is quite dry and while it certainly could be enjoyed now, I would continue to cellar it for another few years and then drink over the next decade.
(a 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, all from grand cru vineyards; L1112320111): Light, bright gold. Poached pear, flowers, honey and toasty lees on the smoky, spice-accented nose. Broad and juicy, offering open-knit orchard and pit fruit flavors braced by tangy acidity. Smooth, sappy and smoky on the finish, which shows excellent clarity and closing bite. Tighter than the outstanding 1996 version and missing just a bit of that wine's heft.