This clone is the real thing.
Chardonnay from San Bernabe, Monterey, Central Coast, California. Half of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation.
SRP of $15 and available for as low as $11. From Delicato Family Vineyards. 25,000 cases produced. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay celebrates the most coveted vine stocks of Burgundy, France. Vine type 4 is grown to perfection on Block 46 at our vineyard in the San Bernabe AVA of cool-climate Monterey.
Prized for its complexity and flavor, this Chardonnay offers a modern expression of the classic style: the silky mouthfeel is balanced by fresh citrus and delectable tropical and pineapple notes. Enjoy with grilled fish, chicken or pasta with creamy sauces.
14.5% Alcohol
Clones are genetically identical vines that have nevertheless developed characteristics unique to the area they are grown in. Match up the right conditions with the right clone, so the theory goes, and you've got the potential for something special.
Noble Vines bases its entire brand on this claim and while we're not qualified to argue either side of the case, we do know that they make some darn delicious vino. Wines like the 337 Cabernet (A Brilliant Burger Wine) and the 1 Red Blend (You've Got Nothing To Fear From These Clones). Today we check out their Chardonnay.
The 2013 Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay opens with pleasant aromas of granny smith apples, pears, melons, lemons and a hint of a nutty note. Tasting the wine shows fruit flavors similar to the nose but wrapped up in toasty oak and vanilla notes. Smooth and a bit creamy (from the half of the wine that underwent malolactic fermentation), the fruit turns tart mid-palate and some tropical notes reveal themselves on the long finish. Lingering lemon vanilla cream and toast persist in the mouth a surprisingly long time.
