2012 Della Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.61, 150 cases, $60. Wente selection sourced from Charles Ranch. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Minty and herbal upon opening with toasty oak evident and very little fruit. The fruit aromas never arrive over time in the glass and the nose remains nondescript. Moderately rich and plush on the palate with a creamy mouthfeel. The core of citrus fruits is buried in oak-driven notes of caramel, vanilla and toast. The heavy oak burden is just not to my taste. Score: 86. Reviewed August 15, 2014

Winery: Domaine Della
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay