Duckhorn has crafted an outstanding new release here with their 2014 Napa Valley Chardonnay. 90% of this wine was aged in 45% new French oak for 10 months prior to bottling. This wine starts with aromatics of mushroom, roasted pineapple, and Pazzaz apple with suggestions of vanilla cream and nutmeg. There are ripe flavors of starfruit, golden delicious apple, heavy whipping cream and creme caramel, with hints of marzipan. The rich palate leads to a wonderfully long vanilla cream finish that lingers for more than 30 seconds. Not for the weary, this has rather intense fruit and oak influence but in a good way. I could see this cellaring rather well and picking up nice secondary characteristics. (Best 2016-2023) - May, 2016 (OB)
Wine Specifications
- Report Date: May, 2016
- Producer: Duckhorn
- Vintage: 2014
- Drinking Window: 2016-2023
- Estimated Value: $35
- Country: United States
- Region: California
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Importer: N/A