2008 Stonestreet Lower Rim Chardonnay

2008 Stonestreet Lower Rim Chardonnay

96pts(WA)The 2008 Chardonnay Lower Rim is another compelling effort displaying enormous flesh, richness, succulence, minerality, and acidity. Notes of steely nectarines, bright oranges, lemon zest, butter cookies, and nutmeg emerge from this serious Chardonnay.

These are far and away the most impressive group of Stonestreet Alexander Mountain estate wines I have ever tasted. Kudos to proprietor Jess Jackson and winemakers Graham Weerts and Marcia Monahan for exploiting this high elevation terroir. This has been a work-in-progress for Jackson, and he has finally hit paydirt with the following wines. Readers need to pay close attention as there are some amazing Chardonnays as well as red wines emerging from Stonestreet.  Robert Parker Wine advocate No 187 February 2010

94pts(WE)Ultrarich, an oily, unctuous wine offering tiers of pineapples, pears, limes and mangoes, enriched with sweet, smoky oak. Made in the superripe California style, yet always retains a crisp, dry elegance. Wine Enthusiast

93+ (IWC) Pale, bright yellow. Initially closed nose opened to reveal steely, Puligny-like white peach, nutmeg, mint and crushed stone aromas. Dense but airy and dry; tactile and silky-smooth but with a lovely light touch. Today this very subtle young wine is showing more minerality than primary fruit. Finishes broad and weightless. Give this a couple years in the cellar. This stunning set of chardonnays made by winemaker Graham Weerts, who is from South Africa, was one of the revelations of my tastings of California wine this spring. Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar