92+ John Gilman, View From the Cellar
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The 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains bottling of chardonnay from Alesia is truly superb and
this is definitely the finest bottling of this cuve?e that I have tasted, with the quality really right up
there with some of the earlier vintages of Alpine or Horseshoe Vineyards chardonnay from Rhys.
Of course, this is younger vine fruit from those same vineyards, so it is not surprising how good
this wine is in 2018. It comes in at 12.7 percent alcohol and delivers superb aromatic complexity
in its refined blend of apple, pear, passion fruit, beautiful minerality, citrus blossoms, refined
vanillin oak and a touch of fresh nutmeg in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure,
full-bodied, complex and very well-balanced, with bright, zesty acids, lovely focus and grip and
a long, complex and utterly refined finish. Alesia never tasted so good! 2020-2030.
2018 Alesia Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
Rivaling the quality of our vineyard designated Chardonnays, the 2018 Alesia Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay is loaded with floral, stone fruit and rain water aromas. Complex and intense on the palate and framed with good acidity, this is both perfect for the holidays and enjoying over the next few years.
- RegionCalifornia
- AppellationSanta Cruz Mountains