Description
2016 LA FOLLETTE LORENZO VINEYARD CHARDONNAY
There are several key qualities that I look for in absolutely top-quality Chardonnay. First I look at color intensity, and evaluate it for a golden hue that’s both striking and pure. Next, is aroma, and I want to smell both complexity and precision detail. On the palate, the most important thing that I seek is balance. A great Chardonnay can be rich, and opulent, but it needs to be finely threaded with enough acidity to be refreshing, and to not fall flat. I found all of the above in a glass of 2016 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay, and it turns out I wasn’t alone… With 94-95 Point scores from Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck, this micro-produced Chardonnay is screaming for your attention. At under $40, it’s truly one of the best examples California Chardonnays that I’ve tasted in years.
La Follette is all about showcasing terroir, and their goal is to create a wine that is transparent to the individual site from which it was hewn. The Lorenzo Vineyard lies in the middle of Sonoma’s Iconic Russian River Valley AVA and the vineyard gets plenty of cooling fog in the mornings and evenings which help the grapes maintain acidity throughout their lifecycle. The 10 acre vineyard is planted to Old Wente Clone, which is a classic Chardonnay clone preferred for producing wines with intense aromatics, and rich textures. With just 128 cases produced, I wouldn’t wait to secure yours.
