Reviews & Ratings

2006 Navarro Vineyards Chardonnay "Premier Reserve"

Winery: Navarro Vineyards

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Premier Reserve"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Anderson Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $25

Cases produced: 2,400

KWG Score: 91 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: December 29, 2008

Wine Review: This white gold colored Chard from Navarro is quite impressive. It opens with a fresh lemon like bouquet with a hint of light oak and vanilla spice. On the palate, this full bodied wine is very well balanced, creamy, and savory with superb light pineapple flavors. Mixed in are notes of lemon, butter, and vanilla spice as well. The finish is dry and very pleasing. Pair this wine with orecchiette, ham, and peas in a light cream sauce. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: It's no surprise that the base wine for the Première Reserve comes from an 11 year old terraced planting of the Dijon clones at the top of our best Chardonnay field called Hammer Olsen, the name of the Finnish farmer who once cultivated hay in the field. Most of the balance comes from the ripe-selected sections of the Hammer Olsen block, planted 25 years ago to the California Robert Young field-selection. The wine has restrained alcohol, subtle apple-lemon fruit and a gentle layer of vanilla and buttered toast. Because of Navarro's stringent ripeness requirements we have less than usual to sell.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Navarro 2006 Premier Reserve Chardonnay.