2008 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay

Production Notes

92 Points Robert Parker

Vineyard Notes 

The 2008 growing season was marked by a series of hard frosts early in the growing season
which severely effected yields. However, the low yields translated to outstanding concentration and quality. The two vineyards comprising this the blend are Sangiacomo Vineyards in the Carneros appellation and Flocchini Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast appellation.

Winemaker Notes 

Each lot was lightly whole cluster pressed, allowed to settle for a day and placed into
100% French oak where it spontaneously fermented without the addition of cultured yeast. The barrels were stirred twice a month to round out the wine and build texture.

Tasting Notes 

Tangerine and apricot combine with marzipan, honey and vanilla spice on the nose. Seamless and
round on the palate, the aromas are amplified adding toasty oak, and a pleasing minerality on the on the finish.

"It reveals a more golden hue as well as notes of tropical fruits, peaches, honeysuckle and brioche. It possesses a fuller-bodied, richer, more authoritative style. Drink this serious Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years." - Robert Parker

Suggested Food Pairing

This wine will pair well with seafood and rich creamy pasta dishes as well as a variety
of poultry dishes.

Press

March 4th, 2011

Robert Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate

92

POINTS

The 2008 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay is a blend from the Sangiacomo Vineyard (42%) and Flocchini Vineyard (58%).  It reveals a more golden hue than the Overlook as well as notes of tropical fruits, peaches, honeysuckle and brioche.  It possesses a fuller-bodied, richer, more authoritative style than the more whimsical Overlook.  Drink this serious Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years. 

February 11th, 2011

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

90

POINTS

Bright gold, with a hint of green.  Tangerine, poached pear and honey on the nose, along with sexy notes of vanilla and baking spices.  Plump, sweet and seamless, with round flavors of exotic fruits, vanilla and smoke.  THis has real weight and palate pressence but finishes with very good delineation and sneaky minerality. 

Robert Paker's The Wine Advocate, Issue #174

93

POINTS

The limited production 2005 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay emerges from the Sangiacomo Vineyard in Carneros.  More intense honeysuckle marmalade and tropical fruit characteristics are found in this wine's aromatics.  Full and rich, with more smokey, Meursault-like nuttiness as well as attractive fullness are found in this beautiful Chardonnay.  It should drink well for 2-3 years.