2021 & 2022 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay Tasting Lot

“Attractive aromas of candied lemons and pears with hints of chamomile, bread dough and crushed stones. Full-bodied with impressive tension and creamy viscosity to it. Round-textured and delicious with clean acidity and a long, citrusy finish.” (03/2023)

“The nose of the 2021 Chardonnay Kite Tail is marked by scents of toasted hazelnuts and grilled pineapple, with some slightly riper, peachy overtones. Medium to full-bodied, it's plump, rounded and generous on the palate, then closes long and mouthwatering, with a citrusy tang. (JC)” (12/2023)

“Pretty lemon blossom, honeyed citrus, and subtle savory herb notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Kite Tail, a medium-bodied, bright, vibrant Chardonnay with nicely integrated acidity and a lengthy, classy finish. It's impeccably made.” (12/2023)

“Aromas of passion fruit, white peaches, honeysuckle and pastry crust. Medium- to full-bodied, round-textured and fruity with vivid acidity. Tense and juicy with a flavorful finish.” (09/2023)

“Made and matured in concrete eggs (the genesis of the wine's name) and without any malolactic fermentation, the 2021 Chardonnay Methode Beton features bold, fruit-driven aromas of pear, pineapple and citrus. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the slightly custardy-silky feel leaves a favorable impression of richness, with a lingering finish. One of the higher ratings I've given an unoaked Chardonnay outside of Chablis. (JC)” (03/2023)

“The 2021 Chardonnay M thode Beton is in the same ballpark quality-wise but has more honeyed melon, white flowers, and sappy herb notes to go with a layered, rounded, beautifully seamless mouthfeel. It might be my favorite of the trio.” (12/2023)

“A succulent version, offering notes of caramel, peach cobbler and pineapple upside down cake. There's also fresh and juicy acidity, with firmness from the toasted almond and apple skin details on the finish. (MW)” (01/2025)

“Cuvaison’s estate Tai Vineyard from Los Carneros was ged 11 months in French oak (40% new), followed by 5 months in stainless steel. The nose is intensely toasty, with notes of fresh butter, warm toast, and a smoky, flinty mineral core. Juicy Meyer lemon mingles with candied ginger and a subtle hint of jalapeño. Medium- to full-bodied and generous, with a rich, creamy centre that commands attention, leading to a finish of graham cracker and flamed grapefruit peel. (JC)” (03/2025)

“Mellow, subtly spiced aromas and flavors on a just-full body, this robust wine stays balanced and interesting. Tangy green apples, stony minerals, toasted almonds and poached pears all vie for attention on the palate and linger long in the finish. (JG)” (09/2024)

“Despite only 30% of the 2022 Chardonnay Kite Tail Estate Grown going through malolactic fermentation, the wine comes across as a bit of a throwback style, with scents of buttered toast, popcorn and grilled peach evoking a pretty classic California Chard. It's medium to full-bodied, expansive and generous across the mid-palate, then more focused and citrusy on the lingering finish. (JC)” (02/2025)