Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2005

Newton's Unfiltered Chardonnay has a devoted following of wine lovers whoappreciate this rich, unfiltered style of wine. Their Chardonnay vineyard inCarneros was planted nearly 30 years ago and this region has sincebecome known for producing superb cool-climate Chardonnay. The 2005 Unfiltered Chardonnay is a light shade of gold. This rich andpowerful wine opens with orange blossom, honey, pear, creme brulee,coconut and nutmeg spice aromas. Flavors lead with white peach andpineapple, with a touch of honey and coconut rounding out this fullbodied wine. The light citrus finish read more...lingers on the palate. This rich and complex Chardonnay can complement a wide variety ofdishes. Try it with pear and arugula salad, smoked scallops or braised porkwith apples. One of California's most glorious Chardonnays, and still somewhat under the radar, is the Newton 2005 Chardonnay Unfiltered. This is another wine that has the capacity in certain vintages to evolve for 8-10 years. A bottle of the 1991 I had recently was stunning (I rated it 92), and of course it was 16 years of age... The 2005 is fabulous, and one of the best examples of this cuvee made at Newton. Notes of honeysuckle, poached pear, brioche, and white currants are present in this wine, which also exhibits some citrus oil and a subtle influence of new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy, and rich, with super purity and stature, this is a gorgeous Chardonnay that should drink nicely for 7-10 years. One of the most spectacularly beautiful vineyards, high on the lower slopes of Spring Mountain, is Newton Vineyards. Organically farmed and impeccably manicured, this was one of the first outposts to which famed Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland came, and an entire generation of winemakers formed by his brilliance have emerged from Newton. The overall style of the wine is one built on European elegance and longevity. The vintages from the early 1990s are still doing well, especially the 1990 and 1991. -Wine Advocate 96/100    (hide)

"One of Californias most glorious Chardonnays, and still somewhat under the radar, is the Newton 2005 Chardonnay Unfiltered.... The 2005 is fabulous, and one of the best examples of this cuvee made at Newton. Notes of honeysuckle, poached pear, brioche, and white currants are present in this wine, which also exhibits some citrus oil and a subtle influence of new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy, and rich, with super purity and stature, this is a gorgeous Chardonnay...96" WA 12/07

The 2005 vintage was one of longest and coolest growing seasons in recentmemory, resulting in crisp, balanced wines with dense, well-developedflavors. Aromas of tropical fruit, white flowers and ripe pears lead to avibrant, mouth-filling fruit basket of fuji apple, melon, and pineappleflavors with just a hint of vanilla from a light finesse of oak. The finish islingering and refreshing. The balance of this wine, with its lush fruit, bright acidity andeven-handed oak, make it a versatile, food-friendly choice. Try it withseafood salads, creamy pastas or risottos, or roasted poultry or pork withfruit-based sauces.

From the renowned Newton Winery in Napa Valley. Honey, brown butter, and apple notes awaken the palate.

The Wine Advocate rating: 96

Nice, crisp taste.

December 2008