Kachina Vineyards – 2007 Chardonnay
November 10, 2009
The Facts:
The 2007 Kachina Vineyards Chardonnay was 66% barrel aged for 11 months in new French Oak and blended with 33% that was aged in stainless. A total of 40 cases were produced. This is the inaugural vintage of their Chardonnay and the first effort from winemaker Nancy Chambers. The suggested retail price is $32.00
Dave’s Take:
Unfortunately I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Nancy; however I did have the opportunity to try her 2007 Chardonnay. With just 40 cases produced, I needed to both cough up the cash and pry this baby from the hands of her husband Greg, but this investment was well worth it. I find it amazing that a first effort can yield such great results. No doubt this is due to the extreme love and care that both the grapes and the wine received from Nancy.
This bottle is a cornucopia of tropical fruit. Pineapple and grapefruit fight for center stage gifting you with an effusive nose. On the palate, however, is where it gets interesting with more than a hint of butterscotch and honeysuckle and a touch of toasted coconut. An above average finish leaves you smiling as the tropical fruits gently fade away to expose a nice minerality. No two ways about it – this is a delicious wine that is drinking very well right now. I would like to see where this wine goes as the brightness of the tropical fruits drop off a bit, but there is always that quandary of drinking it while it’s definitely great versus the “chance” it could get better.
To sum things up, some of the best experiences in Dry Creek Valley will be found at the artisan wineries where production is extremely limited but attention to detail is also very high. Nancy should be extremely proud of this first vintage. I will be first in line for the next one.
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