Nickel and Nickel are an offshoot of Far Niente in Napa that concentrates on single vineyard, singe varietal wines, supposedly to showcase California Terroir. I admit it sounds a little gimmicky coming from a fairly gimmicky winery. However, as with Far Niente there is serious quality backing up the concept. And, I would go so far to say that I think they are certainly getting distinct variety and site characteristics out of their wines (I've had a couple in the past).
This lovely chard had a nose of apple, pineapple, lemon curd, and vanilla. The palate was spritely with minerals, lime, citrus, papaya and banana. There is great brightness and texture here, with a richness that is smooth and creamy without being oaky or heavily malo-lactic'd. I'm not sure if this is a wild yeast fermentation, but is has some of those kinds of characteristics. The flavour profile is really quite exceptional for a California Chardonnay and I think this speaks very well for what they are doing in Carneros with this grape.
Excellent
$45 in California
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