Chardonnay

This is 100% Chardonnay grown in the Judean Hills just west of Jerusalem.  Deeper golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with lemons, roasted almonds and a touch of buttered popcorn.  Medium to full bodied.  Good balance.  On the palate, lemons and spice with a touch of melon.  Good finish.  It seems like this went thru partial (or maybe full) malolactic fermentation.  The resulting wine is approachable but will likely mature over the next three to five years.  Drink over the next ten.  This is nice on its own but will work well with Matzoh Ball soup.  

Past prime but still with some life left and offering up some fruit.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has green apples with a touch of hazelnuts.  Medium bodied.  Strong acidity.  On the palate, there is a touch of lemons with a tart acidity.  Long finish.  This begs for food and would be nice with grilled scallops.  Drink now.

Cuvaison’s Small Lot program showcases small production of unique wines “of character and complexity and which explore different styles and techniques.” I have reviewed many of their Small Lot wines over the years and they have all excelled. Therefore, it’s exciting to once again taste a new Small Lot Chardonnay. As with all Small Lot wines, these are estate grown.