Varner is a great boutique Chardonnay producer in California's Santa Cruz Mountains. 94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block is a big, broad-shouldered wine. There is a directness to the fruit that is highly appealing. Nectarine, honeysuckle, mint and flowers are all supported by clean veins of minerality. This extroverted, enveloping Chardonnay could use another year or two in bottle to fully come together. The clone in this parcel is believed to be Wente, or a derivative of Wente. The wine certainly has the richness and weight typically associated with that clone. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. . ...Brothers Jim and Bob Varner describe 2010 as a cold year with two heat spikes that were shorter and less dramatic than in other parts of California. It was a long growing season, and the fruit came in 2-3 weeks later than normal. As always, the Varner and Neely wines were fermented in barrel, with native yeasts, natural fermentation and minimal handling. These broad-shouldered Chardonnays and deep, resonant Pinots remain some of the most compelling wines being made in California."
Davis Smith
Sommelier Acquerello
Where bright fruit meets texture.
Where bright fruit meets texture.
9.1Bradley Brown
Owner/Winemaker Big Basin Vineyards
Verve, acidity, brightness, depth, interesting
Verve, acidity, brightness, depth, interesting
Eric LaMasters
Prematurely oxidized. Not quite undrinkable yet, but close.
Prematurely oxidized. Not quite undrinkable yet, but close.
7.6IPOB In Pursuit of Balance
IPOB 2013 wines!
IPOB 2013 wines!
9.1Natalie Grosner
Drank at the Murphy's
Drank at the Murphy's
9.6Jonathan Patch
Yum town.
Yum town.
8.7WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.