2009 Varner Chardonnay Amphitheatre Block Santa Cruz

2009 Varner Chardonnay Amphitheatre Block Santa Cruz

96pts(WA)The 2009 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block emerges from the glass with layers of fruit. It shows gorgeous up-front richness, then finds its center of minerality on the mid-palate. It is a large-scaled, beautifully balanced wine loaded with personality. Smoke, minerals and citrus linger on the multi-dimensional, saline finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.  Antonio Galloni Robert Parker's Wine Advocate  NO 196 August 31, 2011

The Varner "Amphitheater Block" is the third bottling in the Varner brothers wonderful line-up of Chardonnays from their Spring Ridge Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The fruit here comes from a 2-acre, south-facing block of ungrafted 29-year-old vines planted in sedimentary rock. The vineyard is dry-farmed, hand-hoed and the Varners use no insecticides. Aged in 30% new French oak and allowed to undergo complete malolactic fermentation, the wine balances California style with Santa Cruz Mountains freshness. Mineral-driven with orange blossom and citrus aromas and flavors. Robert Parker rated the 2008 93 points, writing: 'The 2008 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block reveals serious notes of lemon butter, white peaches, crushed rocks, flowers, brioche, and pineapple. There is terrific fruit on the attack and mid-palate, wonderful underlying acidity buttressing its full body, an impressive texture, and a long finish. Remarkably, these are not grafted vines, but are directly planted, so it is amazing Varner has not had any problems with phylloxera, which usually destroys ungrafted vineyards. This cuvee should drink well for 5-8+ years."