Cattleya 2022 “The Temptress” Chardonnay, Russian RIver Valley – 96 POINTS

Only 185 cases were produced

Vinous 96 Points: “The 2022 Chardonnay The Temptress hails from the Martinelli Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Aged for 14 months in 38% new French oak, it’s an oily, voluptuous, texturally captivating wine. Ripe pear, apricot, marzipan, hazelnut, and clementine aromas lead off, finishing with a trace of herbs— thyme, tarragon, and mint. So round, long and caressing this full-bodied Chardonnay is stuffed to the gills but manages to remain ithe and measured. It finishes almost comically long. What a beauty.”

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points: “Pouring a slightly deeper yellow/green hue, the 2022 Chardonnay The Temptress offers more opulence and decadence on the nose, with notes of ripe peach, melon, wildflowers, honeyed citrus, and a hint of sweet baking spice. Full-bodied, it is generous but keeps a cinched frame through the palate. With a lush texture and a clean finish, it’s long on the palate and is going to drink well over the coming 8-10 years.

BIbiana’s Notes: “Shades of straw with tinges of youthful green glint in the glass as this Chardonnay exhibits pronounced aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and candied ginger. These aromas blend seamlessly with mineral undertones of crushed rock and flint, all wrapped in a subtle blanket of freshly baked brioche. The palate follows suit with density and concentration at every turn with flavors of red apple, crisp pear, and stone fruit. Lightly toasted French oak barrels pair perfectly with this wine, carefully preserving acidity and ending with a long finish. “