Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2011

This section of the Wismer Vineyard was 22 years old in 2011, a parcel which Bachelder believes could be one of the premier (or grand) crus in the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation, and one is tempted to agree. This is indeed perfumed and stony at once, replete with green apple and citrus flavours yet not dominated by fruit, but rather by that more subdued and textural character that comes with long elevage (Bachelder's wines are never bottled until after the following harvest). The palate has a pleasantly firm and grippy texture, not to mention great length. I like the tightness and minerality here which puts this a notch above the Saunders Vineyard chardonnay in my view. Drink or hold this mid term. Score - 92. (John Szabo, M.S., winealign.com, July 22, 2014)