Wolffer Estate 2005 Estate Selection Chardonnay
Roman Roth, winemaker at Wolffer Estate (along with Roanoke Vineyards and his own label, Grapes of Roth) makes some of my favorite Long Island chardonnay. His Wolffer Estate 2003 Estate Selection is one of my all-time favorites.
Though a bit less refined than the stellar 2003 bottling, the current release — Wolffer Estate’s 2005 Estate Selection Chardonnay ($29) is still a fine example of barrel fermented chardonnay.
Extremely toasty on the nose, oak and vanilla scents dominate with juicy-ripe pear aromas peeking through.
Medium-to-full bodied with extremely lively acidity, the palate shows rich peach and pear fruit character with butterscotch, vanilla and oak. The finish is long, tongue-tingly with maybe a bit too much acidity (only 25% ML) and finishes on a citrusy note.
There was a lot of flabby chardonnay made in the unusually hot 2005 vintage. This isn't one of them. Still, I think this wine’s best days might be ahead of it. The acidity will integrate better and the flavors will even out a bit.
Producer: Wolffer Estate
AVA: The Hamptons, Long Island
ABV: 13.3%
Price: $29
Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
