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Owen Bargreen

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Chalk Hill

January 16, 2017

The exceedingly good, 2015 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 92), is one of the best of its kind that I have reviewed in the past year.

Originally founded in 1972 by Fred Ferth, Chalk Hill is one of the more stunning settings in the Sonoma valley. The estate is an insanely gorgeous 1,477 acre property that is surrounded by large oak trees and even and natural streams. Founded by Bill Foley, the property is also home to a 60 different small vineyards. 

Head winemaker, Steve Nelson, has crafted some really fantastic new release wines. Chalk Hill is particularly known for their white wines, particularly their Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines and their recent release are no exception. Look for the 2015 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 92), a wine that utilizes 15% Sauvignon Musque for a rich, layered mouthfeel. The 2014 Chalk Hill Chardonnay (WWB, 92) is an exceedingly decadent and rich wine that will only improve with a few years of bottle age. These wines can be found at great Northwest wine shops. I also have seen these wines at QFC fairly consistently. Here are some of the great new wines by Chalk Hill

2015 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc-This exceedingly good bottling by Chalk Hill wine is a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Sauvignon Musque. The wine was bottled in June 2016 and weighs in at 14.5% alcohol. There are bright aromatics reminiscent of lemongrass, white peach, star jasmine and hints of Gravenstein apple. This leads to flavors of Meyer lemon rind, tangerine, nectarine pie and Pink Lady apple. This has lovely weight on the mid-palate which leads to a long, Meyer lemon cream laced finish. The weight and texture improves with a higher temperature, so this may be better suited to be slightly warmed up, as the Musque deserves slightly more warmth. Drink 2017-2023- 92

2014 Chalk Hill Chardonnay- There is a lot to like with fantastic release by Chalk Hill. This wine utilized 100% native yeast fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation with bi-weekly battonage. The wine was aged in 36% new French oak for 11 months prior to bottling in January 2016. The Chardonnay opens with a bright bouquet of lemon zest, wild mushroom risotto, Mandarin orange rind and creme brûlée accents. This leads to flavors of tangerine creme brulee, vanilla cream, peach pit and Golden Delicious apple. On the hedonistic side, but in a good way, this displays lovely fruit weight on the mid palate and a long cream finish. Drink 2017-2026- 92

2013 Chalk Hill ‘Estate Red’ Red Wine- The 2013 'Estate Red' by Chalk Hill is a fantastic effort. Possessing an ultra-dark core, this wine is a blend of 45% Cabernet, and 30% Malbec with 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Carmenere, 4% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Big, burly and brooding, this wine begins with intoxicating aromatics of creme de cassis, mocha, blackberry pie and blueberry compote. There is lovely weight and texture on the mid-palate, yielding intense flavors of blueberry, coffee grounds, blackberry pie and a graphite edge. This layered effort will have a long life. Drink 2016-2030- 93

2013 Chalk Hill 'Russian River Valley' Pinot Noir-Sourced from the Trenton Road vineyard, and aromatically shut down at first, following a one hour decant this Pinot opens with rich aromas of tea berry, black cherry, crushed mint and hints of cola. There are flavors reminiscent of wild blackberry, black cherry cola, black tea and spicebox. This has a layered mouthfeel which glides to the 30 second long finish. Drink 2017-2025- 90

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