Bjornstad Chardonnay Porter-Bass Vineyards

lot's of flint. Not much fruit.

Pale yellow with a faint greenish tinge in the glass, this also has the hallmark slight opacity of a white wine that has been aged just a shade too long. On the nose, though, this is immediately fresh and floral, with notes of freshly-cut daisies, hyacinth, and buttercups. There's not really the smell of butter here, though, just a little hint of sweet butterscotch sauce in the background behind stewed pears. The nose is all elegance and subtlety, and that …

Initial attack is somewhat interesting. Floral nose. Lots of citrus and acid and floral palate as well and some toasted oak, but mostly thin and acidic and relatively tasteless. Gets more insipid as you go. Be careful anytime Parker uses the word "elegant." Maybe this is the kind of chardonnay intended for aging but offers no pleasure now. And at this price it's terrible. Maybe in a better vintage?

lots of toasty oak here... pretty ripe on the nose, kinda aromatic with some minerals. Medium acidity. Pretty good.

Delicious

13.6% alcohol. Strikingly rich yellow color, which contrasted starkly with the lightness and elegance of the wine on the nose and palate. Bouquet of citrus oil, pear, and apple, with a mineral streak to it. In the mouth, light on its feet, with this lovely citrus focus to the fruit flavors. It was a refreshing undertone that woke up the entire palate. Strong acidity that brought out a great deal of complexity. Long finish that shows a touch of oak, …

The richest of the three Chardonnays we tasted, this was like an apple pie, with beautiful fruit and spice notes. While it is a bit more full-bodied on the palate, the acidity is still excellent, keeping the wine focused and very far from being syrupy. A healthy dose of minerals helps, too. A-

Pinot Days Chicago (Navy Pier, Chicago) : Sees 50% new oak. Notes of coconut, banana and apple. Nice fruit, with creamy apple and tropical fruit flavors.

Winemakers Open House at Vinify Wine Services (Vinify Wine Services in Santa Rosa, CA) : Sexy lemon and cream nose; tasty, elegant, lemon palate; medium-plus finish

Pre-release 2006 Bjornstad Chardonnay and Pinot tasting with Greg Bjornstad (Santa Rosa, CA) : Light citrus and floral nose; bright, lovely, lemon palate with good acidity and minerality; medium-plus finish 93+ pts. (from 2 clones--Rued and Wente; 10 mos. in barrel)

Southern Italian – Aglianico and Nero d’Avola Blindtasting (Kenwood, California) : Light citrus and floral nose; bright, lovely, lemon palate with good acidity and minerality; medium-plus finish 93+ pts.