Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay

On the list at Norda in Göteborg. Popped and poured; served at cellar temperature. At this stage the 2014 Charles Heintz Vineyard is vinous, appearing a deep golden color with lovely aromas of desiccated stone fruits, nuts, squishy tropical fruit and some baking spices. On the palate, the aforementioned notes are confirmed and accompanied by a lovely, remarkably creamy texture. This is a rich Chardonnay however there is a good spine of acid that helps to proved a long, dry finish. Drink now.

Heintz fruit is some of my favorite and for some reason, it’s normally easy for me to identify, this being no different. I always get an overload of guava with Heintz Chardonnays, like this one, on the nose. Big aromatics of roasted Meyer lemon and ripe tropical fruits. Oak isn’t a star here, as the acidity takes center stage. Sharp and focused down the middle. Apricot, underripe pineapple and lemon oil on the palate. 13.2 ABV. I know Littorai picks super early, so it’s impressive that they are able to get this beautiful amount of pure fruit.

I followed this over 2 days and day 1 was sharp acidity and led me to believe this needs another few years to integrate. Day 2, the acidity mellowed and the fruit really warmed and became very perfumed. I’d probably hold, but no harm in opening now if you have time to follow/enjoy it.

Weston hosted Friday group today and was it definitely a can’t miss tasting. Wow! Absolutely knocked it out of the park with heavy hitter after heavy hitter. Similar to Wednesday group, all wines are tasted blind.

Possibly the most unique Cali chard I’ve come across. Most guessed Marsanne/Roussane Blend. The nose was so tropical/citrus like...apricot, pineapple and an oily finish. I wondered if it could be an Alsatian Pinot Gris based on the oily finish. Crazy.

On the restrained side with lower alcohol, higher acid, and less ripe fruit. Medium intensity on the nose. The fruit profile was interesting showing some candied notes. Fine length. #littorai #chardonnay #sonomacoast #ctbucklinwine

Butterscotch candy, not the typical butterscotch from a well aged Cali chard. This was quite unusual. Had some Marsanne/rousanne guesses which I thought were appropriate although it had color of rousanne and palate of Marsanne. Very hard to taste blind

Rich, ample and vinous. In other words totally Heinz vineyard Chardonnay. Apricot and pastry add depth to this beauty.

Extremely tropical - pineapple guava and some mild caramel notes at the end

All a grown up Chardonnay should be shedding the baby fat

2014. High acidity but frames everything beautifully. Bottle didn't last long enough to see it open up unfortunately. Zero complaints about that however. #goodproblemstohave

Jens had this 5 years ago