Wine Last Sold on: January 18, 2013
Parmelee-Hill Wines & Vineyards
Featured Wine:
2009 Chardonnay
| Varietal: | Chardonnay |
| Region: | California: Sonoma Valley |
| Availability: | Very Limited |
| Avg. Price: | $45.00 |
| Wine Spies: | $36.00 |
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SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:
We only showcase wines that we love. While our emphasis is on quality first, every now and again we come across a real standout wine that rises above. When we do, we issue alerts like this one.
SUPER QPR ALERT:
At today’s special Wine Spies price, this wine delivers tremendous value - and a drinking experience that exceeds expectations, easily earning it this special QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) Alert.
Mission Codename: The Incredible
- Operative
- Agent Red
- Objective
- Send Agent Red to Parmalee-Hill Vineyards, a small-production grower that sells most of its grapes to high-end wine producers. Taste their Chardonnay and procure an ample allotment if the wine is exceptional.
- Mission Status
- Accomplished!
- Winemaker
- Don Van Staaveren
Final Assessment
Today’s 2009 Parmelee-Hill Chardonnay is extraordinary! And very highly recommended.
You could spend up to $130 for a Chardonnay made from the same grapes as today’s stunning wine. Kistler Vineyards’ vineyard designate Parmalee-Hill Chardonnay is wonderful, yes, but at a fraction of the Kistler price, today’s wine is an obvious value.
Unfortunately, Parmalee-Hill made just 185 cases of today’s stunning Chardonnay. The wine, made for lovers of a more hearty style of Chardonnay, is a true delight for all of the senses. On the nose, the wine presents a big California style that is all vibrant fruit and minerals.
On the palate, the wine is rich and bold with bright, vibrant fruit. Very food-friendly, we’d also serve this wine as an exceptional cocktail wine to enjoy without food.
Pair with a grilled brie sandwitch, salmon with a rich cream sauce. Chicken Picatta would also be a delicious companion to this very delicious wine.
Tasting Profile
Dense and thick-looking with liquid golden hues, concentrated from core to edge. As the wine catches the light it glints with golden yellow highlights. After a good swirl, thick legs move slowly down the glass.
Warm and lush with baked apple pie, caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, lemon curd, and grapefruit peel. Big oak, but still very fresh and inviting. Deep inside, a toasted cedar aroma emerges. As the wine warms, it also reveals a light honeysuckle aroma.
Tart and vibrant with bright favors of ripe apricot, citrus zest, and hazelnut. As the wine opens, flavors of lemon/orange citrus sherbert, under ripe yellow pear, toasty oak, red toffee apple, and butterscotch emerge.
Long and vibrant with sustained fruit. As the fruit begins to fade the palate is left with baked apple and clove.
What the Winery Says
Tasting Notes
Aroma Vanilla, custard, golden delicious apple, ripe melon and pear.
Flavor Ripe pear, apple, stone fruit, and brown spices.
Finish Rich texture, toasty, long citrus finish. Some tasters proclaim this is the finest Chardonnay they have ever had.
Alcohol: 14.5%
About the Winery
Parmelee-Hill Vineyards decided in 2001 to begin making a limited amount of high-end syrah under our own label. To make the type of wine we wanted meant sourcing a winemaker of the highest caliber to make it. We found him in Don Van Staaveren of Chateau St. Jean fame and Don continues to help and advise in the making of every Parmelee-Hill wine.
