Argot 2019 Chardonnay Le Rayon Vert Sonoma 97 Points

WINERY NOTES:  ” Le Rayon Vert, the phenomenon which occurs as the sun dips below the horizon, and a brilliant green flash occurs as sunlight prisms through Earth’s atmosphere. Jules Verne wrote, “a green which no artist could ever obtain on his palette” akin to the ethereal, green halo pedigreed Chardonnays radiate from the glass. Sourced from two hillside sites—Richard Dinner and Steiner—reside on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain. A powerful terroir whose wines deliver expansive fruit character, while retaining dazzling acidity and verve.”

WINEMAKER NOTES – Le Rayon Vert sings from the glass like a freshly opened stick of Wrigley’s gum. Both intense and vibrant, the full-bodied palate delivers Granny Smith apple and apricot fruits; confections of custard and sticky vanilla bean; and is animated by bursts of spearmint and pine forest. Brilliant stuff.

TWI (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, formerly with Robert Parker) 97 Points: “The 2019 Chardonnay Le Rayon Vert comes from fruit grown on Sonoma Mountain. It slides out of the glass with graceful notes of lemon tart, lime leaves, and fresh grapefruit, leading to suggestions of almond croissant, sea spray, honeysuckle, and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is fantastically tight-knit with gorgeous tension and layer upon layer of citrus and mineral flavors, finishing very long and chalky. This is amazing.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “There are a scant 250 cases of the 2019 Chardonnay Le Rayon-Vert, which hails from the Sonoma Mountain AVA and spent 14 months in 70% new French oak. It offers a lighter, grey-tinged gold hue as well as an old-school nose of crushed citrus, tart peach, hazelnuts, crushed stone, and white flowers. Beautiful on the palate as well, it has a crisp, pure texture, some notable reduction, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It’s a beautiful Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years. Give it a decant if drinking any time soon.”

Also, check out these other great Argot wines:

Argot 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon 1555, Oakville Napa Valley 96 Points 

Argot 2020 Pinot Noir “Bastard Tongue” Sonoma County 96 Points