MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008

88-90 Points - Robert Parker"The only Chardonnay I tasted, the 2008 Sonoma Coast, had not been bottled, but it was very promising. It reveals plenty of brioche, poached pear, honeysuckle, and smoky hazelnut notes, a leesy, waxy complexity, a light gold color, and a rich, medium to full-bodied personality. It has the potential to be outstanding when released." February 2010.

88-90 Points - Robert Parker The only Chardonnay I tasted, the 2008 Sonoma Coast, had not been bottled, but it was very promising. It reveals plenty of brioche, poached pear, honeysuckle, and smoky h

The only Chardonnay I tasted, the 2008 Sonoma Coast, had not been bottled, but it was very promising. It reveals plenty of brioche, poached pear, honeysuckle, and smoky hazelnut notes, a leesy, waxy complexity, a light gold color, and a rich, medium to full-bodied personality. It has the potential to be outstanding when released.

Even better is the outstanding 2009 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, a blend of two-thirds barrel fermented and barrel aged with some aged in stainless steel tanks with wooden staves and the rest totally in stainless steel, all of which was put through malolactic fermentation. The idea of blending steel fermented juice with barrel fermented wines seems to have produced a freshness and vibrancy. Bright with notes of orange blossoms, spring flowers, honeysuckle and white peaches, this floral-styled, medium to full-bodied effort will please those looking for Chardonnays with less than 14% alcohol (this offering has 13.8%). Enjoy it over the next 1ndash;2 years.

The 2008 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast possesses classic tropical fruit notes of mangos and pineapples as well as good freshness and a medium-bodied, fruit-driven style with the oak pushed well to the background. Drink it over the next 1ndash;2 years.

Smooth and fruity, this is a touch sweet, with juicy apple, melon and pear flavors that are clean and easy-drinking. Drink now.