Horseshoe Vineyard, Chardonnay, 2017
There's a greater sense of density and richness to Horseshoe, vs. Alpine, but no less minerality or precision. In fact, the stony salty elements are if anything even more pronounced here, a Chardonnay full of energy that bristles with crisp citrus and salt flavours but also impressive depth and concentration. Salty, taut, full of virile crisp stone, grapefruit and tangerine flavours and the merest hint of sexy smoky reduction in the background. While it might not have the elegance of Alpine, it more than makes up for it in sheer verve and impact. The Horseshoe vineyard is just 1/2 mile from Alpine, inland by a couple of ridges, and less directly influenced by the Ocean. As a source of virile, mineral, taut Chardonnay with great depth, it's very hard to beat.
critic reviews
I must confess that this might well be the first time that I have ever tasted a wine from this producer. The 2017 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard has a very well-defined, very Burgundy-like bouquet, almost like a Corton-Charlemagne with sea spray and white peach notes bursting from the glass. The palate has lovely balanced and tremendous weight, peach skins and yellow plums, with a very persistent finish. I can see why it has a loyal fanbase. Tasted at the "Judgement of Clapham Junction" dinner in London.
The 2017 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard has toast, smoke and gunflint notions to begin, giving way to lemon pith, cream and stony scents with a restrained core of white peach with citrus blossom and honey in the background. It's medium-bodied and minerally in the mouth, with tangy acidity and a long, precise finish. This will need plenty of time in bottle to flesh out.