2011 Landmark Vineyards Damaris Reserve Chardonnay – Landmark Vineyards was founded in 1974 in Windsor, California. In 1989 it relocated to a beautiful parcel of land at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Sonoma Valley. Under the direction of former winemaker Eric Stern and current winemaker Greg Stach, the Winery is known for its beautifully hand-crafted Chardonnays & Pinot Noirs. Landmark’s signature wine, the Overlook Chardonnay, has appeared on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list 7 times since 1997… And Landmark’s 2011 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay certainly carries on the Winery’s illustrious tradition of turning out critically acclaimed world class wines.
As I know I’ve mentioned on several occasions, I have never been a particular fan of what I consider California’s penchant for producing ponderously over-oaked and cloyingly sweet Chardonnays. The Damaris Reserve, however, is quite a different animal, as it is more Burgundian in nature than Californian. Yes, the wine does exhibit a touch of oak, but this is perfectly complemented by a pronounced infusion of ripe citrus fruit, earthy minerality, bracing acidity, and beautifully balanced finish.
The 2011 is a medium-bodied gorgeously textured wine reminiscent, as noted above, of a fine French white Burgundy – Meursault comes immediately to mind – that beguiles the palate with its delicacy and finesse. This, of course, makes it a decidedly food-friendly wine as well; a wine that will pair quite nicely with a variety of both rich and refined dishes.
This exceptional vintage normally retails around the $35.00 mark… Fortuitously, however, I have seen it on sale for around $25.00. If you’re a fan of the minimally adulterated Chardonnay grape, the 2011 Landmark Vineyards Damaris Reserve will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a superb white Burgundy at a mere fraction of the cost.
2009 Gordon Estate Columbia Valley Syrah – Distinguished as the oldest estate winery in Washington State, Gordon Estate sources all its grapes from a prized 95-acre vineyard overlooking the Snake River in Columbia Valley. The Gordon Brothers – Jeff & Bill – and Jeff’s wife, Vicki, converted a sagebrush covered hill into prime vineyards in 1980 and harvested their first grapes in 1983. They first sold their fruit to Washington’s ultra-premium wineries… but in 1985, the family built its own winery to produce first-class wines bearing the Gordon Brothers label. In 2012 the winery name was changed to Gordon Estate, recognizing both expanded family partnership and the estate’s renowned winemaking tradition.
The 2009 Gordon Estate Columbia Valley Syrah is a superb validation of the outstanding quality of Washington State viticulture. And winemaker Tim Henley has made this varietal a star at Gordon. Following fermentation, the wine was sequestered in small oak barrels for 22 months prior to the final blending and bottling. And as a testimony to Mr. Henley’s skill, the vintage exhibited all the advantages and none of the deleterious effects of oak aging – the fruit is allowed to speak for itself. There’s a slight smokiness here, and an ingratiating hint of spice… and a touch of marshmallow at the close; but that is about the extent of the oak’s decidedly subtle influences.
The 2009 Syrah is both silky and seductive with gentle tannins and a complex concentration of flavors. This is a wine that’s easy to love… and outlandishly easy on the pocketbook. One reviewer online described it as a bargain at $20.00 (usually retails in the $22.00 – $25.00 range). Undoubtedly true. But its $12.99 price tag at some retailers is an absolute steal.
I couldn’t resist. I’ve already laid in a case, and there seems to be plenty more to go around. But wines of this quality, at this price, do not come along every day – and don’t last forever. If I were you, I’d get a move on!
Cheers!
TAD
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