Ernest Vineyards 2015 The Farmer Chardonnay

Warren Dutton planted this Chardonnay vineyard in 1969 on an east-facing hillside west of the town of Graton. The clone he planted is known as the Rued Z Clone, and it produces exotic, highly identifiable fruit. Old vines produce clusters with tiny golden translucent berries. The grapes themselves have incredibly enticing flavors, floral aromatics, and tropical freshness.

Alcohol: 13%

93 POINTS - "The 2015 Chardonnay The Farmer Green Valley Ranch Vineyard is fabulous. All of the exotic perfume that makes the Rued clone so distinctive comes through loud and clear in this striking Chardonnay. Readers should expect a bright, perfumed Chardonnay with exotic, intensely aromatics and plenty of tropical inflections." - Vinous

The aromas are clear and pure allowing for undeterred expression of the floral profile of the Rued-Z Chardonnay clone. The fruit profile is not only intriguing but also enticing: nectarines, Meyer lemons, pears and cantaloupe, laced with honeysuckle and peach blossoms. On the palate the freshness keeps going with an initial burst of acidity followed immediately by the same stone fruits detected on the nose. Only, this time, the flavors linger and broaden on the palate with more intensity and decadence than the nose suggested.