by Patchen Markell » Mon May 14, 2018 8:12 am
Liquid Farm 2013 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay "La Hermana." The third bottling of LF I've tried from this vintage (along with White Hill and Golden Slope). Would have been instructive to do them side by side, rather than months apart, but this strikes me as "just right," less lush and overtly tropical than the Golden Slope, but a little more relaxed and inviting at five years' age than the White Hill. Citrus, flowers, and flint; whatever wood treatment there was was judicious and seems pretty well integrated now, though this also seems young enough to warrant more cellar time. I like both the balance and the energy here a lot. 60% Bien Nacido fruit.
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin 2000 Chablis Grand Cru "Grenouilles." In great condition. Bright yellow. Lightly caramelized pear, citrus, and a bit of salinity, all encased in an appealing waxiness. The flavors here remain bright and clean -- tree fruit rather than earth or mushroom. There's enough life left in this that I'd describe it as being solidly middle-aged. Nice match with halibut and morel cream.
cheers, Patchen