CRITIC REVIEWS
Joe Czerwinski
The 2016 Art Series Chardonnay is tight but rich, with guava and pineapple fruit reined in by lemony accents. Yes, theres oak, but its in the background to the concentrated fruit in this silky-textured, medium to full-bodied effort. Based on the superb concentration, length and an admirable track record, it should age well through at least 2030.
Erin Larkin
The 2016 Art Series Chardonnay is slick, polished and glossy and exhibits a poise and consistency of flavor in the mouth that is incredibly impressive. I have said it before, but this vintage flew under my radar on release. Excellent, no doubt, but it is growing in stature exponentially over the years. This may emerge as one of the true greats in the lineup; for now, its full of mouth-filling pleasure and balance. The winemaking remains relatively consistent across the years: hand-picked fruit from Block 20 and 22 (planted in 1976 and 1978, respectively). Thirty percent of the cuvée was whole bunch pressed to 100% new Burgundian oak, while the balance was destemmed, crushed and pressed to 100% new Bordelais oak. About 20% to 25% of the cuvée underwent wild fermentation. Sulfured post-ferment in order to discourage malolactic fermentation, both components remain in barrel for 11 months.