Deeply robed in a vibrant green-gold color, intense, laser-like flavors of lemon-lime curd, baked quince and green apple are all framed in a judicious amount of carefully selected French oak. Using slightly more new wood this year (still only 22%), Eric Kent relied exclusively on a proprietary barrel from one of the winery’s favorite coopers that lets the natural power and glory of this tiny-berried Old Wente site shine through. The long, mouth-filling finish ends with a whip crack of lively acidity and subtle toasty, hazelnut flavors. Vintage after vintage, the Green Acres Hill Chardonnay is a very complete experience that would give many reds a run for their money in terms of palate presence and complexity. It’s a wine that really has it all.
