2018 Amici Flora Marie Vineyard Chardonnay
Wine Advocate
“rich and seductive”
2018 Amici Flora Marie Vineyard Chardonnay
Wine Advocate
“rich and seductive”
Vineyard Notes
Flora Marie Vineyard sits on the eastern side of the Russian River Valley hilltops, planted to the elegant Montrachet clone in the region’s quintessential Goldridge soil. The vines are situated on one of the flanking ridgelines of the Russian River Valley, where the vines are shrouded in fog at night and early morning but receive bountiful sunlight during the day. As a result, this Chardonnay is one of the first lots to be harvested each year, and the wines have gorgeous acidity and finesse.
Winemaking Notes
From a lovely vineyard on one of the flanking ridgelines of the Russian River Valley, the 2018 Flora Marie Chardonnay is the confluence of a spectacular vintage and singular site. A mineral-driven wine on the nose and palate, this Chardonnay has a subtle saline character with oyster shell and hints of jasmine. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, showing flavors of pineapple rind along with citrus, granny smith apple and pear skin through its long finish reminiscent of decadent banana cream pie.
- Vintage
- 2018
- Varietal
- Chardonnay
- Vineyard
- Flora Marie Vineyard
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Blend
- 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Fermentation & Aging
- 100% Barrel fermentation; Full malolactic; Aged 11 months in 55% new French oak
Reviews
Wine Advocate
“Located at 900 feet in elevation, the Flora Marie vineyard is planted to the Montrachet Clone and is farmed by the Ulises Valdez family. The 2018 Chardonnay Flora Marie Vineyard was 100% barrel fermented and went through full malolactic. It aged 11 months in 55% new Francois Freres and Taransaud barrels. It has a provocative nose of cashews, preserved ginger and allspice over a core of warm apricots, green mango and spiced pears plus a touch of beeswax. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it has an opulent creamy texture and seamless freshness, finishing very long and spicy.”
James Suckling
“A solid, exciting chardonnay with ripe apples and lots of toffee, toasted-oak and praline character. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and lots of oak treatment. Serious. Drink or hold.”
Wine Enthusiast
Jeb Dunnuck
“Lastly, the 2018 Chardonnay Flora Marie Vineyard has a slightly fresher, livelier style that carries pretty aromas of tart pineapple and peach intermixed with spring flowers and a touch of mint. It’s medium-bodied and has a lively, elegant, balanced mouthfeel, well-integrated acidity, and a great finish. It should evolve nicely for 4-6 years and is well worth seeking out.”
Vinous Media
“The 2018 Chardonnay Flora Marie Vineyard is laced with hints of white flowers, mint, jasmine, orchard fruit and lemon peel. High-toned and vibrant with bright acids, the 2018 is a very pretty and expressive wine. This is another elegant, understated wine from Amici, especially for a wine made from second-leaf fruit.”
