QPR ALERT:

Today’s delicious wine delivers a drinking experience that elevates it above its price class, earning it this special alert.

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Mission Codename: The Winners Circle

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Operative favorite, Adobe Road Winery. Secure the latest vintage of their distinctive Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Adobe Road Winery

Wine Subject: 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Winemaker: Michael Scorsone

Backgrounder: The Sonoma Coast AVA, established in 1987, is the area directly adjacent to the Pacific coastline of Sonoma County. The ocean’s influence causing a cooler, higher rainfall and foggy climate most influences the vineyards of this region, many of which have exceptional views of the mighty Pacific. These factors cause grapes to mature and ripen more slowly which is idea for Burgundian varietals like Chardonnay. The region is approximately 750 square miles with about 7,000 acres under vine.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep golden-yellow, maintaining even coloration from core to edge. The wine glints as its edges catch the light. Skinny tears start high on the glass, where they are quick to appear before they move slowly and steadily down the glass.

Smell – Zesty and sweet, with lemon curd, citrus peel and dried apricot. As the wine warms, slightly, tropical notes of pineapple, passionfruit and mango begin to emerge. Then, thee wine opens further, revealing white flowers, slate minerals and a hint of cedar.

Feel – Soft and light when well chilled. If you allow the wine to warm, slightly, it becomes more round and silky. It shows some weight and complexity at the mid-palate, where it takes on a slightly dry feel.

Taste – Sweet citrus and pineapple mingle with dried white flower petal, dried apricot, white peach and a hint of kiwi. Again, allow the wine to warm slightly, and witness how new flavors emerge, including green melon and loquot flesh.

Finish – Favors linger for a long time, eventually culminating in a softly dry feel with flavors of white flowers, minerals and subtle pineapple.

Conclusion – This is a perfectly lovely Chardonnay that our tasting panel really enjoyed. Out of the chiller, the wine has a lighthearted feel. When it warms, even slightly, it really comes alive, revealing a softer feel, deeper aromatics and a bevvy of flavors that simply were not there before. This oaked Chardonnay certainly has some oak character, but not in a way that overpowers the experience. A fantastic wine with a roast chicken or a creamy pasta, this wine deserves our hearty recommendation – and a place on your table.

Mission Report:

Adobe Road winemaker, Michael Scorsone could not be located for an interview about today’s wine. Rest assured our agents are searching the vineyards for him. Check back for a full interview, the next time we showcase another fantastic Adobe Road wine.

Wine Spies Winery Check:

The approximate location of the Adobe Road tasting room, in the heart of the town of Sonoma, California, can be seen in this satellite photo.