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Chateau St. Jean
2018 Chateau St. Jean Belle Terre Vineyard Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Description
Description
Since the early 1970s, when Chateau St. Jean first began working with the Dick Family, they have built a reputation as one of the premier grape-growing families in the region. The Belle Terre vineyard terrain consists of gently rolling land with well-drained, gravelly and sandy loam soils.
Awards & Accolades
Awards & Accolades
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95
JamesSuckling.com
"A fresh, fruity white with very subtle, mineral and light herb or pine undertones to the dried apples and pears. Full-bodied, creamy and complex with a wonderful flint undertone at the finish. Drink or hold.” - James Suckling, April 2020
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90
Wine Advocate
“Aged for 16 months in French oak, 25% new, the 2018 Chardonnay Belle Terre Vineyard opens with cedar and buttered toast scents giving way to a core of ripe apricots, pear tart and guava plus wafts of nutmeg and crème caramel. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lashings of oak lacing the generous tropical fruit flavors and a racy line, finishing long and toasty. 397 cases were made.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
Wine & Vintage Details
Wine & Vintage Details
Tasting Note
With history dating back to the 1970s, Belle Terre Chardonnay is consistently rich and full, with a solid acid backbone in a well structured and nicely balanced wine with aromas and flavors of lemon curd, lime zest and pear, accented with vanilla and oak spice. Bright and lively, fruity and intense, with wet river rock and minerality lingering in the finish.
Vintage Note
A near perfect season, welcomed after several tense vintages, began with abundant February rains followed by drying sun and weather that allowed for even flowering and bud break. The slightly later start was followed by consistently ideal weather, with harvest later in September, resulting in fruit with great flavor and complexity.
Vineyard & Winemaking Details
Vineyard & Winemaking Details
Vineyard
Since the early 1970s, when Chateau St. Jean first began working with the Dick Family, they have built a reputation as one of the premier grape-growing families in the region. The Belle Terre vineyard terrain consists of gently rolling land with well-drained, gravelly and sandy loam soils.
Margo Van Staaveren - Winemaker
Margo Van Staaveren’s has been Winemaker for Chateau St. Jean since 2003 and has worked at the winery for over 40 harvests. She was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2008. During her long tenure with the winery, Margo has played a pivotal role in every facet of the winemaking process. As winemaker, she makes the final decisions involving blend and style to produce consistently high quality wines in the super premium and luxury category.
| Alcohol % | 14.4% |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Type | Cork |
| Blend | 100% Chardonnay |