Chicken
Critic Scores
Showing a touch of brioche in its ripe orchard fruits, toasted bread, sweet peach and white flower bouquet, the 2014 Chardonnay Vanguard is medium-bodied, fresh, layered and focused, with lively acidity and a pure, elegant style. Give bottles a year in the cellar and enjoy over the following 5-7 years.
An embryonic wine, the 2014 Chardonnay Vanguard comes across as energetic and tightly wound, with tons of purity in its aromas and flavors. It will be interesting to see if the richness of Sanford & Benedict blossoms here, or if the 2014 will turn out to be a more energetic version of the Vanguard than we have seen in the past, which could be the case given a move towards larger barrels and stainless steel. The 2014 was aged in 80% new French oak barrels and 20% in steel, with 40% malolactic fermentation complete. Vineyard sources are Sanford & Benedict, Solomon Hills and Radian.
