Shibumi Knoll 2017 Buenna Tierra Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma

The Shibumi Knoll Buena Tierra Chardonnay has proven to be among the best in the country. The 2005 vintage received a 97 from The Wine Spectator, tied for the highest score given California Chardonnay in the first decade of this century. Shibumi continues to receive high scores from the Wine Spectator. This ancient block of vines, now over 50 years old, has produced some incredible Chardonnay vintage after vintage. The 2017 vintage seems to lean towards the 2013 taste with notes of 2015 and 2016. An opulent, beautiful rounded wine for sure. On the nose you smell honeycomb and apricot with a slight hint of warm spices. The color is bright, clear golden with legs that gently slide down the sides. The taste is a treat of Meyer lemon and vanilla with a hint of Crème Brulee. Its fresh, smooth and delicate. The complex flavors of the old vines make this wine an old soul. The finish lingers just long enough.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored this 94 points saying "The 2017 Chardonnay Buena Tierra Vineyard conjures up provocative notions of buttered popcorn, crème brûlée and almond tar over a core of poached pears, peach cobbler and guava with a hint of crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers gorgeous tension with an opulent oiliness to the texture and loads of savory-accented stone fruit layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note."

Wine Spectator scored this 92 points saying "Crisp yet richly textured, with a firm core of Gala apple and ripe pear flavors, backed by firm acidity. The spicy finish is broad and powerful. Drink now through 2023."