2004 Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay "Estate"

Winery: Hanzell Vineyards

Vintage: 2004

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Estate"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Sonoma Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $65

Cases produced: 4,200

KWG Score: 93.8 (based on 6 reviews)

Average Virtual Score: 95 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (97.99-94)

Review date: November 5, 2006

Wine Review: In September 2006, we went to CA to review some wines from Sonoma Valley. One of our first stops was to visit Hanzell. Our first wine to review was the 2004 Chardonnay. I have now tried 4 vintages of their chardonnay and this one is my favorite. The bouquet of this wine is gentle, flowery, yet aromatic. On the palate this wine is smooth, extremely well balanced, and the flavors are prolific and pronounced. This wine is an extremely food friendly and destined to exceed your expectations at the special dinner you have planned. The finish is pleasant and not overly long. Enjoy this wine now or over the next few years. - Ken

Winemaker Notes: "Honey and grapefruit, typical markers for Hanzell's Chardonnay, are prominent at first, but then behind these are compelling characters of pastry shell (baked butter and flour), a delicate toast character from the barrels, almonds, milk and bread dough. A full, round presence in the mouth is supported by acidity that saves the broad and rich texture from being cloying. This vintage should mature in 2012 and carry through to 2020." Michael Terrien

Organic status: not organic