Palate
Abundance of fresh orchard apple, juicy pear, crème brulee, macadamia nut with persistent undertones of lemon oil, honeysuckle and toasted almond with a beautiful, dense core and vibrant structure.
Auteur has made a beautiful wine with sweet marmalade, white peach, apple jelly and citrus oil notes along with a subtle smokiness. The finish is long and the wine certainly full-bodied and beautifully vibrant. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
Growing Conditions
Always a jewel of our collection, rooted in ancient riverbeds rich in deep volcanic soils from one of Sonoma's most revered vineyards, this wine is highly expressive and sure to stand the test of time.
Durell’s ancient riverbeds and rich rocky volcanic soils along with the distinguishing character of the Old Wente clone produces a wine crisp with mineral laced acidity countered by a depthness of fruit. Located in the southwestern hills of Sonoma Valley, the Durell Vineyard stretches across three separate and overlapping appellations: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley and a small corner of Carneros. The cooling effect of San Pablo Bay to the South, the strong afternoon winds from the Pacific to the West, and the warmth of the Sonoma Valley to the North, create optimum conditions for Chardonnay.
Aging
Aged in 50% new French oak, which may account for the hint of smoke.
