2013 MacPhail Vagon Blanc Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.57, RS .18 bms/100ml, 100 cases, $65. Release fall 2015. Winemaker James MacPhail was setting out to emulate a white Burgundy-like expression of Chardonnay, drawing on his 4 favorite barrels from Pratt and Gap’s Crown vineyards. Harvest Brix 23.3º-23.9º. Clones are Mt. Eden, Robert Young, Dijon 76 and 96. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented with a blend of native and cultured yeasts, 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel, batonnage once weekly through primary fermentation, aged on lees for 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. (3 cigar-shaped Ermitage barrels), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Complex and engaging nose, offering aromas of cooked pear, butterscotch budino, grilled lemon and salted caramel. Flavorful tastes of lemon, pineapple, pear and yellow peach with balancing toast, finishing with bright, lemon-infused goodness and some uncommon length for a Chardonnay. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016

Winery: MacPhail Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay