The 2009 Alysian Russian River Selection Chardonnay is a blended wine from three different vineyard sources: the Floodgate Vineayard, Cresta Ridge, and Westside Farms. These three distinct vineyard properties all contribute to the complexity of the wine because of the multiple clones used and the obvious different micro-climates they are grown in. The wine is composed of 39% Floodgate Vineyard Dijon Clone 95, 34% Cresta Ridge Dijon Clones 76 and 95, and 27% Westside Farms Clone 4. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (35% New and 65% one and two years old) for 9 months.

On the nose I get lovely aromas of baked yellow apple, ripe pear, melon, and subtle hints of vanilla and lime peel. There's also a slight touch of mineral/chalk underlining the fruit elements that adds to the complexity.

On the palate the wine shows flavors of caramel apple pie, soft citrus, and nectarine. It's soft and luxurious, but then finishes neatly with a nice dose of acidity. This wine completely exemplifies the style I think proprietor and winemaker Gary Farrell is searching for with Alysian.... that is superbly balanced wines that express the true character of the grape variety and vineyard location. This wine will please the classy connoisseur and grace the dinner table perfectly. What it's not.......is exactly what it's meant to be. 92 points

90 point wines under $20 at Wine.com. Shop Now!