The long-awaited warm weather had me excited to taste two of Maritana Vineyards Chardonnays.

2017 Dutton Creek Shop Block 1967, Russian River Valley

Sheer gold color. Instant white flowers on the nose with candied orange, ripe yellow apple skins, and caramel finish. There was a mineral component that carried through with moderate acidity.

2017 “La Riviere” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Bright. Honeysuckle, pears, a ton lychee, and a touch of beeswax. With a beautiful lemon drop/creme fraiche finish due to contact on the lees. Very much like tasting the sun!

La Rivière was my favorite of the two bottles. I like lees contact and the autolytic characteristics really made the wine softer and rounded. I think both wines were great but this one stood out for me.

You have great wines Dr. Pinot! Thank you for the emergency wine ration! Pinot Noir tasting next along with a YouTube video. Stay tuned!