After enjoying the Robert Young Vineyard Chardonnay, I decided to try a bottle of the Chardonnay from the Cold Creek Ranch vineyard. This vineyard is located in the southernmost part of the Sonoma Coast appellation, which is prized for the cool growing conditions that allow for full development of flavors in the grapes and balancing acidity.
Cold Creek Ranch fruit is known for tropical fruit aromas, I noticed pineapple and a floral note I couldn't quite pinpoint. On the palate I tasted peach, pear, lemon, and a nice spice note on the finish.
This vintage was aged in used oak barrels on the lees, (yeast and grape bits) so there is no oak influence, which allows for the flavors of great fruit to shine on its own. Aging on the lees also adds a creamy mouth feel, making for a very enjoyable bottle of wine.
This was the eighth reserve bottling of fruit from the Cold Creek Ranch by Chateau St Jean since 2002, each vintage used is fermented differently depending on how the fruit developes.
Available at some NH Liquor outlets on sale for $13.99 per bottle (regular retail $35.00) and from the winery for $35.00 per bottle. Current case sale at NH outlets is 15% mix and match any wines... that makes the price of this wine $11.64 per bottle.... a steal at that price.
Cheers!
Ed
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