2023 Durell Chardonnay Sonoma Valley
Notes
Pale yellow. Perfectly ripe yellow orchard fruit framed by dried marsh grasses, and whispers of chamomile. Forward, ripe golden fruited body on the palate, texturally dense and wide but interwoven with a coiled intensity and verve.
Finishes at length, with a subtle yet firm persistence. Brilliant in both its high tones and its lower octave notes, and the complex span that they create.
Reviews
96
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard waltzes out with showy scents of honeysuckle, ripe yellow apples, fresh pears, and lemon curd, plus wafts of allspice and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a delightful creaminess to the texture with just enough freshness and layers of orchard fruit flavors, finishing long and savory.
99
Jim Gordon
Great power, richness and dramatic flavors give this such a distinctive character. A full-bodied white with aromas of grilled fruit, toasted oak, poached pears and minerals, then flavors of baked golden apples, toasted walnuts, pear nectar and brown butter. Such a big, robust yet super-smooth wine. Drink now or hold.
96
Audrey Frick
From the Sonoma Valley, the 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is focused and bright, with notes of lime candies, green pear, and flinty stones. The palate is full and elegant and floats on the palate, with a long, elegant feel and a tapered finish with delicate incense. The midpalate shows the depth of this site, but it’s a more floating wine in this vintage. Drink 2025-2035.
96
Antonio Galloni
The 2023 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is a dense, potent wine. Apricot, dried pear, chamomile dried herbs and tangerine peel stain the palate. A hint of truffle adds an exotic flair to this wonderfully creamy, deep Chardonnay. The Durrell is marked by a distinct phenolic character that is the result of tiny berries. What a beauty.