98 Points Parker - limited Limited new single-vineyard Chardonnay from Paul Hobbs. 98 Points Robert Parker: "The 2014 Chardonnay Ellen Lane Estate exhibits more gravelly, wet pebble notes and loads of uplifted aromatics, including peach, pineapple, orange rind and lemon blossom. It is again a complex style of Chardonnay made from a cold microclimate... ...Paul Hobbs has emerged as one of the great success stories in Northern California. He’s an international consultant known for his outstanding work in Argentina. He is also now involved in a joint venture in the Finger Lakes region of New York, so hopefully we can anticipate some interesting Rieslings and possibly Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and even Gewurztraminer emerging from New York State. I had an extensive tasting with Hobbs at his winery in late January, and the results were all impressive. The tastings reflect the fact that, for Chardonnay, both 2013 and 2014 are brilliant vintages, and for Pinot Noir, 2014 may possibly eclipse 2013. As for the Bordeaux varietals, there’s no question that 2013 is the game-changer, as I indicated in previous reports, but 2014 is delicious and another top-notch success."
Whitney Bouck
Great mouth feel. Flavors of butter, baked apple and apricot. A gorgeous, full bodied Chardonnay. Very elegant.
Great mouth feel. Flavors of butter, baked apple and apricot. A gorgeous, full bodied Chardonnay. Very elegant.
9.1Josh Luhn
Luhn Wine Consulting Owner, Luhn Family Wines
Rich and tropical.
Rich and tropical.
8.8John Malcolm
Pretty intense and citrusy. Definitely full-bodied. Lemon tart with a bit of apricot, oak, honeydew melon, and honey.
Pretty intense and citrusy. Definitely full-bodied. Lemon tart with a bit of apricot, oak, honeydew melon, and honey.
9.1Ericsson
Full bodied aged Chardonnay with butter, baked apple, and pear. Not as crisp and focused as younger vintages but equally enjoyable; particularly with spicy food. Cheers.
Full bodied aged Chardonnay with butter, baked apple, and pear. Not as crisp and focused as younger vintages but equally enjoyable; particularly with spicy food. Cheers.
9.1K L
Excellent. Smooth and a little sweet on the finish.
Excellent. Smooth and a little sweet on the finish.
9.3John Schlechter
Minerality similarities to Montrachet
Minerality similarities to Montrachet
9.4Scott Stewart
Not my cup of tea, but I respect the focus on a particular style.
Not my cup of tea, but I respect the focus on a particular style.
8.8Keegan Leary
Medium lemon. Aromas are smoke, brewer's yeast, and green apple. Flavors of butter and pear. M+ acidity. Dry. Full body wine with a long finish of bread and butter. Above average but a bit expensive for a Thursday evening run about. Pair with a special meal... thinking lobster with butter. Go for it.
Medium lemon. Aromas are smoke, brewer's yeast, and green apple. Flavors of butter and pear. M+ acidity. Dry. Full body wine with a long finish of bread and butter. Above average but a bit expensive for a Thursday evening run about. Pair with a special meal... thinking lobster with butter. Go for it.
9.0Jul Arro
Crisp. Dean and deluca
Crisp. Dean and deluca
9.0Amber Rampino
Not over oaked. Balanced.
Not over oaked. Balanced.
9.3WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.