Awards and Reviews
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | Wine Spectator Reviews | Connoisseur's Guide
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95 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill 2007
A mouthful of Chardonnay. Bold and richly flavored, with a mix of exotic tropical fruit, pineapple and grapefruit, with a buttery texture and aftertaste. Despite its size, this is extremely well balanced and elegant, ending with a delicate mix of mineral and dried apricot. Drink now through 2014. 234 cases produced. —J.L.
93 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley Lorenzo 2007
Strikes a wonderful balance between ripe, rich, vibrant apple, pear and melon fruit and light toasty oak. Full-bodied, persistent, elegant and delicate. Drink now through 2013. 278 cases produced. —J.L.
91 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2007
Complex aromas of citrus, sour pineapple and nectarine give this a distinctive flavor profile. Full-bodied, rich and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012. 349 cases produced. —J.L.
91 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma County 2007
Ripe, rich and creamy, with fresh, vibrant, concentrated green apple, citrus and baked apple pie flavors that are full-bodied, focused and persistent. Drink now through 2013. 586 cases produced. —J.L.
90 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley Rued 2007
Intense and vibrant, full-bodied and rich in flavor, with ripe apple, pineapple and butterscotch notes. Still a bit raw and pithy on the palate, but ends with a lively finish. Drink now through 2013. 187 cases produced. —J.L.
96 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Rayhill 2007
Amazing for its richness, depth and complexity, this is ripe and juicy, with intense blueberry, wild berry, raspberry, plum and spice flavors. Full-bodied and complex, offering excellent depth and focus. Ends with a delicate note and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2013. 111 cases made. —J.L.
95 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Blank 2007
Pure, ripe, vivid wild berry and blackberry fruit is intense, concentrated and complex, with great fruit definition, gaining depth and dimension on the long, persistent finish. Ends with grainy tannins. Drink now through 2013. 284 cases made. —J.L.
94 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Freestone Station 2007
Fresh, clean and lively, with firm, vibrant raspberry, blueberry and blackberry fruit that has a nice floral and anise edge, gaining depth, richness and complexity on the long, full-bodied finish. Ends with a great minerality. Drink now through 2013. 295 cases made. —J.L.
93 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sexton 2007
Ripe, complex and spicy, this is full-bodied and even delicate, with vibrant wild berry and raspberry fruit that's intense, balanced, full-bodied and framed by firm tannins, ending with a loamy earth and anise edge. Drink now through 2013. 198 cases made. —J.L.
93 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Holder 2007
Ripe and fleshy, with lively plum, black cherry and wild berry notes that are supple, balanced, full-bodied and, at points, delicate, gaining a pleasant minerally, earthy edge and ending with fine depth and complexity. Drink now through 2013. 136 cases made. —J.L.
92 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sylvia's 2007
Fresh, vibrant and complex, with vivid anise, raspberry and blackberry fruit that's crisp and refreshing, ending with a long, detailed, elegant finish. Drink now through 2013. 76 cases made. —J.L.
92 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Joyce 2007
Smooth, with ripe, fleshy plum and blueberry fruit that's supple, focused, elegant and delicate, unfolding to reveal subtle flavor nuances. Drink now through 2013. 111 cases made. —J.L.
91 Points - CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2007
Ripe and intense, this is focused on loamy earth, dried currant, anise, sage and mineral flavors. Concentrated, gaining depth and complexity. Ends with the same core flavor themes. Drink now through 2013. 856 cases made. —J.L.
91 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley Lorenzo 2006
91 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2006
This is elegant, displaying fresh, vibrant green apple, pear, citrus and floral scents that have a nice touch of toasty oak, with spicy pear and fruit flavors. Drink now through 2011. 530 cases made. —J.L.
90 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2006
This relies on smoky, toasty oak, yet it's well-executed, with a mix of spice, melon and green apple that's focused and tapered on the finish, ending with a sense of elegance and grace. Drink now through 2011. 660 cases made. —J.L.
90 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Durell 2006
Burgundian in style, this is firm, with toasty, buttery oak joining ripe apple and pear flavors. The oak gives this a spicy nutmeg scent. Ends on an elegant note, picking up a hint of marshmallow. Drink now through 2012. 186 cases made. —J.L.
92 Points - Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2005
Beautiful blackberry and boysenberry fruit is rich, fleshy and concentrated, keeping a tight focus on the fruit. Offers hints of spice, nutmeg and fresh earth. Drink now through 2011. 323 cases made. —J.L.
Beautiful blackberry and boysenberry fruit is rich, fleshy and concentrated, keeping a tight focus on the fruit. Offers hints of spice, nutmeg and fresh earth. Drink now through 2011. 323 cases made. —J.L.
92 Points - Chasseur Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2005
High-toned wild berry, black cherry and blueberry flavors are intense and focused, pure and complex. Well-balanced, finishing with a burst of fruit and fine-grained tannins, gaining complexity on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 620 cases made. —J.L.
High-toned wild berry, black cherry and blueberry flavors are intense and focused, pure and complex. Well-balanced, finishing with a burst of fruit and fine-grained tannins, gaining complexity on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 620 cases made. —J.L.
93 Points - Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2004
Exceptional. A beam of acidity gives this wine a lively backbone, with layers of intense pear, citrus, nutmeg, hazelnut and orange blossom. Finishes with zesty acidity that gives the fruit a burst of flavor and a mouthwatering aftertaste. Drink now through 2009. 201 cases made. -J.L.
Exceptional. A beam of acidity gives this wine a lively backbone, with layers of intense pear, citrus, nutmeg, hazelnut and orange blossom. Finishes with zesty acidity that gives the fruit a burst of flavor and a mouthwatering aftertaste. Drink now through 2009. 201 cases made. -J.L.
93 Points - Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River Valley Lorenzo 2004
Creamy and delicate, rich and seductive, with creamy vanilla, pear, fig, spice and hazelnut. Very stylish, with an elegant mouthfeel that invites you back for a second and third glass.-J.L.
Creamy and delicate, rich and seductive, with creamy vanilla, pear, fig, spice and hazelnut. Very stylish, with an elegant mouthfeel that invites you back for a second and third glass.-J.L.
93 Points - Chasseur Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Durell 2004
A distinctive style that's intense and concentrated, with ripe pear, caramel apple and butterscotch notes that are rich and full-bodied, deep and expansive, with a long, rich aftertaste.-J.L.
A distinctive style that's intense and concentrated, with ripe pear, caramel apple and butterscotch notes that are rich and full-bodied, deep and expansive, with a long, rich aftertaste.-J.L.
93 Points - Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Freestone Station 2004
A delicate, restrained style, yet brimming with intense fruit, offering supple and elegant wild berry and raspberry fruit, revealing hints of mineral, mushroom and light cedary oak. Lively acidity on the finish keeps it refreshing. Drink now through 2009.-J.L.
A delicate, restrained style, yet brimming with intense fruit, offering supple and elegant wild berry and raspberry fruit, revealing hints of mineral, mushroom and light cedary oak. Lively acidity on the finish keeps it refreshing. Drink now through 2009.-J.L.
95 Points - Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sylvia's 2004
Fragrant plum, blueberry and raspberry scents are fresh and enticing. The flavors are rich on the palate without becoming heavy. Lively acidity and finegrained tannins keep it delicate yet its intensity unveils extra layers of depth and complexity. Drink now through 2001. -J.L.
Fragrant plum, blueberry and raspberry scents are fresh and enticing. The flavors are rich on the palate without becoming heavy. Lively acidity and finegrained tannins keep it delicate yet its intensity unveils extra layers of depth and complexity. Drink now through 2001. -J.L.
95 Points - Chasseur Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Joyce 2004
A sensational effort, distinct and complete. Fragrant raspberry and blueberry flavors are amazingly vivid, supple and polished, with pretty, delicate hints of fresh earth, berry stem, floral and anise flavors that gain momentum, turning more complex and layered with each sip. Drink now through 2009.-J.L.
A sensational effort, distinct and complete. Fragrant raspberry and blueberry flavors are amazingly vivid, supple and polished, with pretty, delicate hints of fresh earth, berry stem, floral and anise flavors that gain momentum, turning more complex and layered with each sip. Drink now through 2009.-J.L.
2007 Chasseur Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard Russian River Valley – 94 POINTS
Pale yellow. Intense iodine and mineral scents add urgency to ripe pear and apple on the nose, with a sexy floral note building in the glass. Stains the palate with deep, powerful citrus and orchard fruit flavors and shows a strong iodine quality. This is about minerality as much as fruit. The finish leaves nervy mineral and lemon/lime notes behind, eventually. I couldn't get this off my palate.
Pale yellow. Intense iodine and mineral scents add urgency to ripe pear and apple on the nose, with a sexy floral note building in the glass. Stains the palate with deep, powerful citrus and orchard fruit flavors and shows a strong iodine quality. This is about minerality as much as fruit. The finish leaves nervy mineral and lemon/lime notes behind, eventually. I couldn't get this off my palate.
2007 Chasseur Chardonnay Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley – 93 POINTS
Light greenish-yellow. The expansive, strongly scented nose offers an array of citrus and orchard fruits, with exotic floral and mineral qualities gaining strength with air. Shows fatter melon and papaya on the palate, with a zestier citrus quality emerging with air. A suave honeysuckle note lingers on the long, sappy finish. As alluring as this is today, the strong mineral character bodes well for cellaring.
Light greenish-yellow. The expansive, strongly scented nose offers an array of citrus and orchard fruits, with exotic floral and mineral qualities gaining strength with air. Shows fatter melon and papaya on the palate, with a zestier citrus quality emerging with air. A suave honeysuckle note lingers on the long, sappy finish. As alluring as this is today, the strong mineral character bodes well for cellaring.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Sexton Russian River Valley – 93 POINTS
Dark red. Flamboyant black raspberry, incense and potpourri on the nose. Compellingly sweet and incisive, offering fresh red and dark berry flavors, velvety texture and strong back-end minerality. A deeper note of cola arrives on the finish, which is broad, focused and very long.
Dark red. Flamboyant black raspberry, incense and potpourri on the nose. Compellingly sweet and incisive, offering fresh red and dark berry flavors, velvety texture and strong back-end minerality. A deeper note of cola arrives on the finish, which is broad, focused and very long.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Joyce Sonoma Coast – 93 POINTS
Bright red. Exotic aromas of red berry preserves, spicecake, minerals and rose; smells like a high-end Vosne. Fleshy and seductively smooth in texture, with deep, gently sweet red and dark berry flavors and a late note of candied flowers. The spicy quality returns on the finish, which is strikingly pure and very long.
Bright red. Exotic aromas of red berry preserves, spicecake, minerals and rose; smells like a high-end Vosne. Fleshy and seductively smooth in texture, with deep, gently sweet red and dark berry flavors and a late note of candied flowers. The spicy quality returns on the finish, which is strikingly pure and very long.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Blank Russian River Valley – 93 POINTS
Full, bright red. Black raspberry, patchouli and cola on the nose. A sexy floral quality comes up with air and carries onto the palate, complicating the sweet dark berry and floral flavors. Becomes richer with air but maintains energy, finishing with succulent red berry preserve and floral notes and outstanding persistence. This is delicious right now.
Full, bright red. Black raspberry, patchouli and cola on the nose. A sexy floral quality comes up with air and carries onto the palate, complicating the sweet dark berry and floral flavors. Becomes richer with air but maintains energy, finishing with succulent red berry preserve and floral notes and outstanding persistence. This is delicious right now.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Holder Russian River Valley – 93 POINTS
Bright red. Mineral-driven red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by fresh rose and Asian spices. Nervy red fruit flavors are strikingly pure and focused, with an exotic candied floral quality gaining power with air. Very sexy wine, with excellent finishing lift and sappy persistence.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Sylvia's Russian River Valley – 92(+?) POINTS
Vivid red. Initially restrained nose opens quickly to display lively strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb aromas. Tight, finely etched red fruit flavors are alluringly sweet and pure, with a snap of minerals adding urgency. Impressively energetic pinot with excellent finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. Decant this one.
Vivid red. Initially restrained nose opens quickly to display lively strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb aromas. Tight, finely etched red fruit flavors are alluringly sweet and pure, with a snap of minerals adding urgency. Impressively energetic pinot with excellent finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. Decant this one.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir FreestoneStation Russian River Valley – 92(+?) POINTS
Bright red. Youthfully restrained aromas of redcurrant and wild strawberry, with a strong mineral underpinning. Racy and finely etched, with lively red berry flavors and a bite of bitter cherry skin. The mineral quality builds with air and carries through the long, nervy finish. This will benefit from patience.
Bright red. Youthfully restrained aromas of redcurrant and wild strawberry, with a strong mineral underpinning. Racy and finely etched, with lively red berry flavors and a bite of bitter cherry skin. The mineral quality builds with air and carries through the long, nervy finish. This will benefit from patience.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – 92 POINTS
Bright red. Intensely perfumed bouquet of red berries, Asian spices, rose and minerals. Deeply concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors are braced by tangy minerals and given an exotic touch by a note of candied flowers. Becomes spicier and more mineral-driven on the finish, which is strikingly precise and very persistent.
Bright red. Intensely perfumed bouquet of red berries, Asian spices, rose and minerals. Deeply concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors are braced by tangy minerals and given an exotic touch by a note of candied flowers. Becomes spicier and more mineral-driven on the finish, which is strikingly precise and very persistent.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Umino Russian River Valley – 92 POINTS
Deep red. Strawberry, raspberry and spicecake scents are impressively pure and expansive. Open-knit red berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and are framed by silky tannins. Juicy and focused on the finish, which repeats the sweet red fruit notes and clings tenaciously.
Deep red. Strawberry, raspberry and spicecake scents are impressively pure and expansive. Open-knit red berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and are framed by silky tannins. Juicy and focused on the finish, which repeats the sweet red fruit notes and clings tenaciously.
2007 Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River Valley – 91 POINTS
Light, bright yellow. Very fresh aromas of lime, lemongrass and salty minerals. Tangy and pure, offering vivid citrus and green apple flavors with excellent back-end cut and thrust. Turns spicier on the finish, which strongly echoes the mineral and lime notes. This will reward patience.
Light, bright yellow. Very fresh aromas of lime, lemongrass and salty minerals. Tangy and pure, offering vivid citrus and green apple flavors with excellent back-end cut and thrust. Turns spicier on the finish, which strongly echoes the mineral and lime notes. This will reward patience.
2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – 91 POINTS
Vivid red. Highly expressive aromas of strawberry, raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Racy and pure, offering sweet red berry and candied rose flavors, with fine-grained tannins adding support. Gains power with air and finishes with very persistent red fruit notes. This is already delicious but balanced to age.
Vivid red. Highly expressive aromas of strawberry, raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Racy and pure, offering sweet red berry and candied rose flavors, with fine-grained tannins adding support. Gains power with air and finishes with very persistent red fruit notes. This is already delicious but balanced to age.
2007 Chasseur Chardonnay Sonoma County – 90 POINTS
Bright yellow. Intensely perfumed bouquet of Meyer lemon, apple, smoky minerals and white pepper. Lively orange zest and pear flavors are braced by a refreshingly bitter citrus pith quality. Nervier than the RRV, with very good finishing clarity and cut.
Bright yellow. Intensely perfumed bouquet of Meyer lemon, apple, smoky minerals and white pepper. Lively orange zest and pear flavors are braced by a refreshingly bitter citrus pith quality. Nervier than the RRV, with very good finishing clarity and cut.
2006 Chasseur Chardonnay Lorenzo Russian River Valley – 93 POINTS
Light yellow. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas of stone fruits, spicy oak, minerals and cured meat, with a strong floral undercurrent. Stains the palate with deep citrus and orchard fruit flavors, picking up exotic candied floral and sweet butter qualities with air. Impressively powerful chardonnay with excellent finishing clarity and mineral cut.
2006 Chasseur Pinot Noir Blank Russian River Valley – 92 POINTS
Deep red with a bright rim. Explosively perfumed aromas of black raspberry, incense and brown spices, with a sexy floral undertone. Deep, gently chewy dark berry flavors are surprisingly lithe, emphasizing clarity over sheer extract and taking a turn to red fruits with air. Manages to be both powerful and graceful, with excellent finishing cut and persistence.
2006 Chasseur Chardonnay Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley – 91 POINTS
Light gold. Highly pungent aromas of yellow plum, apple, minerals and dried flowers. Fleshy in texture and very rich, with deep orchard fruit and mango flavors underscored by smoky minerals. The mineral and floral notes linger on the long, sappy finish. Serve this with a rich shellfish dish.
2006 Chasseur Pinot Noir Umino Russian River Valley – 91 POINTS
Deep red. Dark berries and cherry on the nose, with a blood orange quality adding vibrancy. Supple red and dark berry liqueur flavors coat the palate, with velvety tannins providing shape. The finish is alluringly sweet and very persistent. This rich, fleshy pinot would stand up to a grilled steak or strong cheeses.
2006 Chasseur Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley – 90(+?) POINTS
Dark red. Youthfully brooding aromas of cherry and dark berries. Densely packed blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are slow to unfold, eventually offering spicier red fruit qualities and good spicy cut. The finish leaves chewy dark fruit notes behind and packs a solid punch. This needs decanting, or bottle aging.
2006 Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – 90 POINTS
Bright red. Deeper than the SonomaCoast on the nose, displaying black raspberry and cherry scents, along with anise and pungent herbs. Rich red and dark berry flavors coat the palate and are framed by supple tannins. The cherry and herb notes repeat on the long, juicy finish.
2006 Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River Valley – 90 POINTS
Light yellow. Lemon, pink grapefruit and brown spice aromas are pungent and focused. Sweeter and fuller in the mouth than the nose suggests, offering deep citrus and pear flavors and a subtle note of sweet butter. The citrus quality repeats on the long, spicy finish. This is drinking well now but also has the energy to reward patience.
2006 Chasseur Chardonnay Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill Sonoma Coast – 90 POINTS
Bright yellow. Floral honey, poached pear and peach on the nose, with baking spices and minerals adding vivacity. Vibrant tangerine and pear in the mouth, lifted by zesty minerality. The honey note returns on the finish, which is broad, gently sweet and long. This is drinking well right now.
Chasseur Chardonnay Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill Sonoma Coast 2005 - 93 POINTS
Medium gold. Exotically perfumed bouquet of smoky pear, butterscotch, toasty lees and baking spices; reminded me a Meursault from Comtes Lafon. Pliant, deep orchard fruit and melon flavors take on a chewy texture with air. This impressive chardonnay really stains the palate, finishing with outstanding lift and persistence.
Medium gold. Exotically perfumed bouquet of smoky pear, butterscotch, toasty lees and baking spices; reminded me a Meursault from Comtes Lafon. Pliant, deep orchard fruit and melon flavors take on a chewy texture with air. This impressive chardonnay really stains the palate, finishing with outstanding lift and persistence.
Chasseur Chardonnay Lorenzo Russian River Valley 2005 - 92(+?) POINTS
Light gold. Meyer lemon, pear and iodine aromas offer striking clarity, turning smoky with air. Tightly wound citrus and orchard fruit flavors gain flesh and depth with aeration, picking up honey and sweet butter qualities. Impressively balanced, complex and spicy, with great finishing lift and thrust. I'd bet on this improving for at least the next five years.
Light gold. Meyer lemon, pear and iodine aromas offer striking clarity, turning smoky with air. Tightly wound citrus and orchard fruit flavors gain flesh and depth with aeration, picking up honey and sweet butter qualities. Impressively balanced, complex and spicy, with great finishing lift and thrust. I'd bet on this improving for at least the next five years.
Chasseur Chardonnay Durell Sonoma Valley 2005 - 93 POINTS
Bright gold with green highlights. Intense, floral-accented pear skin and cherry pit aromas are complicated by iodine, dusty minerals and cured meat. Extremely complex on the palate, offering a wild array of dried fruit, mineral and herb flavors, a chewy texture and remarkable energy. Leaves a strong note of gingerbread on the long, sappy finish. This is all Hyde clone, according to Hunter.
*** 96 Points CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley 2007
Grabbing top honors among Chasseur's very impressive line-up of Pinots in 2007, the Freestone Station bottling is an altogether show-stopping wine that is at once rife with precise, wonderfully deep, ripe-cherry fruit and made even more attractive by its layering of sweet oak and spice. It is a big wine to be sure, but it exhibits superb balance and uncommon polish that serves as a high standard for all comers, and, while a delicious and wholly involving effort even now, it can only get better with age. And, here again, we see convincing evidence of the potential for the Freestone area.
Grabbing top honors among Chasseur's very impressive line-up of Pinots in 2007, the Freestone Station bottling is an altogether show-stopping wine that is at once rife with precise, wonderfully deep, ripe-cherry fruit and made even more attractive by its layering of sweet oak and spice. It is a big wine to be sure, but it exhibits superb balance and uncommon polish that serves as a high standard for all comers, and, while a delicious and wholly involving effort even now, it can only get better with age. And, here again, we see convincing evidence of the potential for the Freestone area.
** 94 Points CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Sylvia's Russian River Valley 2007
Picking a favorite from such an impressive contingent of Pinots as that offered up by Chasseur is a never an easy task, but fans of especially rich, highly ripened wines should not overlook this one. Nothing less than voluptuous, it is as finely balanced as any and stands as a fine expression of pure Pinot fruit with overtones of raspberries and violets and a sweetening splash of caramel. It is brightened by a keen streak of fine fruity acid, and it is built to keep for five or more years.
** 93 PointsCHASSEUR Pinot Noir Joyce Sonoma Coast 2007
A good case in point as far as proving the legitimacy of terrain and terroir as important vinous influences, this Sonoma Coast bottling strikes a slightly different stance than its mates with a slightly tighter feel on the palate and good structure behind its very pretty face. It smacks of cinnamon and sweet cherries with wisps of caramel off to the side, and it shows a nice sprinkling of hardwood spice to its lengthy, comparatively firm finish. It is a wine best ignored in the near term, and it will pay dividends aplenty with five years of age.
** 91 Points CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Blank Russian River Valley 2007
Wonderfully precise and focused on very pure, black cherry fruit with notes of creamy, rich oak boosting its overall richness, this weighty Pinot edges to ripeness but stays in balance with lifting acids coming on at the end. Very long, very deep and very alive, it is still a touch tight at the finish, but its prospects for better with age are as sure as sure gets, and it looks good to go for at least another five or six years.
** 91 PointsCHASSEUR Pinot Noir Umino Russian River Valley 2007
In all truth, this gutsy young wine strikes us as taking at least a slight bow in the direction of its well-ripened cousins from the Santa Lucia Highlands, yet for all of its deep fruit, richness and very palpable flesh, it tempers its swagger with an unexpected touch of finesse. Its fine spine of evident young tannins is not out of line for a wine of its richness and weight, and its finishing astringency presents no concerns when measured against the persistent and plentiful fruit that is certain to keep it on course for years to come.
** 91 PointsCHASSEUR Pinot Noir Holder Russian River Valley 2007
With its intense aromas of cherries, raspberry preserves, vanilla, dried violets and dusty earth leading the way, this bottling pulls back just a bit on the palate with firming acids compressing its deep, but youthfully tight flavors. There is no question but that age is needed, and, given a few years in which to unfold, this one is destined to join its very handsome 2007 siblings at the head of the varietal class.
* 90 PointsCHASSEUR Pinot Noir Sexton Russian River Valley 2007
Sweet and extracted in scent with a wealth of ripe cherries set against glimmers of spice and dark chocolate, this somewhat muscular wine is at once both fleshy and firm with a slight acid bite coming on at the finish. It wants a few years to smooth out its rough spots, and it has the depth and richness required to make the grade with ease.
* 88 PointsCHASSEUR Pinot Noir Rayhill Russian River Valley 2007
On the surface, this wine seems slightly softer and a little more forward in character than its mates. It teams nicely defined fruit with a bit of dried brush in the nose, and its rounded flavors of cherries and milk chocolate are just a touch frontal in manner. Its seeming accessibility is countered by a bit of emerging acid-pushed tannins, and, in the end, it lacks the seamless continuity of Chasseur's top wines.
*** 95 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill 2007
If not the most complex of the new Chasseur Chardonnays, yet certainly competing for that exalted title, it is also a wine with plenty of zesty fruit, this time with a fairly round palatal feel complete with plenty of oily glycerin and more than enough supportive acidity to complete the balanced picture. Its stunning combination of depth, balance and richness continues all the way to the end, and if it drifts a touch more towards the big and dramatic than some of its mates, it never loses faith with expected Chasseur classiness.
*** 95 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley Lorenzo 2007
No shrinking violet by any means, "Lorenzo" nonetheless leans to a slightly more refined end of the spectrum while still offering all of the great depth of fruit and richness common to this lovely group of wines. Its creme brulee, lemon custard, leesy, ripe pear personality is both mouthfilling and balanced, and the acid that rises perceptibly in the latter palate is nothing more than the bit of bracing vitality that pulls this picture together. It is very good now, but it will achieve real grandeur if allowed to grow with a few years of cellaring.
** 93 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley Rued 2007
Chasseur's Rued bottling is nothing if not ripe, but ripeness does not rule the "ruest" here because this is a wine built with high vitality and fresh fruit energy as its main and overriding themes. It is deep yet still nascent in character with a supple, oily feel at entry and a wealth of underlying acidity that speaks directly to its cool climate provenance. Like the Lorenzo bottling, it is one that will reward your patience.
** 93 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Durell 2007
Joining the parade with a rich, creamy, vanilla/lemon creme top note and plenty of fruity vitality underneath, this wine is a fine amalgam of ripeness and richness with its own sense of boldness and crafting played off against each other. Pulpy and deep, with both sweet and quietly candied nuances yet nothing out of line at any point, this one comes closer to the Green Acres Hill edition in personality than to Lorenzo or Rued while still solidly in the familial embrace.
* 90 Points - CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma County 2007
84% Russian River Valley; 16% Sonoma Coast. The suggested pricing of this wine relative to the other Chasseur bottlings would seem to indicate that the winery sees less to like in it. We, on the other hand, find it a great value for fans of Mr. Hunter's wines, and heartily recommend it to you for its attractive blending of ripe appley fruit, caramelly oak, roasted grain complexities and its somewhere more open, drink-me-now presence on the palate. Not every Chardonnay has to be able to age half a decade to be thoroughly enjoyable.
***95 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Umino Russian River Valley 2006
Leading with bright, perfectly focused red cherry fruit with hints of dried flowers and a dollop of creamy, slightly toasty elements, this fairly full-bodied, wonderfully well-balanced wine shows off the refined side of Pinot spectrum. Its deep, youthfully exuberant flavors blend in quiet but intriguing notes of dark and slate-like soils and promise to grow even more complex and sophisticated with five years or more in the cellar. It is hard to find Pinots of this impeccable brightness, depth and balance, but Chasseur has pulled it off.
*** 95 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley 2006
As if to prove that the winery can handle all sides of the Pinot potential, this wine is full and rich, deep and concentrated and simply loaded with sweet red cherry character. It is not overly heavy, but it makes a weightier impression than its mate above, and in so doing, invites service with substantial hunks of roasted meats from standing rib roasts to garlic-laden legs of lamb. And like the wine above, it is guaranteed to show great growth with bottle age.
**92 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
Yet another wonderful Pinot from Chasseur, this one reminds a bit of the Umino bottling but with a noticeably sturdier under-carriage that asks for a few years of patience to bring out all of its enormous potential. But, the real story here is not muscle or mass, it is balance, because it is this wine's firm yet supple sense of balance that is going to keep it in good trim, and with a only a few years in the cellar, it will gain the polished poise so often found in Chasseur Pinots.
* 90 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006
If a bit more expressive in its aromas than in the mouth, this one is nevertheless very much on point as to precise red cherry fruit from front to back. It is slightly rounded in feel with good acidity and light but evident astringency and just a tag-end of finishing dryness from those tannins. Still, it is a very fine wine and wants only roasts and chops to show well.
** 94 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill Sonoma Coast 2006
If somewhat reluctant when first poured, this still nascent effort unfolds in the glass with straightforward apple and pear fruit to start before adding in rich and layered notes of creme brulee, pear nectar, brioche and hints of roasted nuts. The wine is full on the palate and beautifully balanced and echoes its aromatic beginnings with candied and pulpy fruit flavors whose depth and range come with airing. Be sure to allow this special effort a few years to fill out; it has plenty of room to grow and is certain to reward a bit of patience.
** 93 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2006
Leading with bright, perfectly focused red cherry fruit with hints of dried flowers and a dollop of creamy, slightly toasty elements, this fairly full-bodied, wonderfully well-balanced wine shows off the refined side of Pinot spectrum. Its deep, youthfully exuberant flavors blend in quiet but intriguing notes of dark and slate-like soils and promise to grow even more complex and sophisticated with five years or more in the cellar. It is hard to find Pinots of this impeccable brightness, depth and balance, but Chasseur has pulled it off.
*** 95 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley 2006
As if to prove that the winery can handle all sides of the Pinot potential, this wine is full and rich, deep and concentrated and simply loaded with sweet red cherry character. It is not overly heavy, but it makes a weightier impression than its mate above, and in so doing, invites service with substantial hunks of roasted meats from standing rib roasts to garlic-laden legs of lamb. And like the wine above, it is guaranteed to show great growth with bottle age.
**92 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
Yet another wonderful Pinot from Chasseur, this one reminds a bit of the Umino bottling but with a noticeably sturdier under-carriage that asks for a few years of patience to bring out all of its enormous potential. But, the real story here is not muscle or mass, it is balance, because it is this wine's firm yet supple sense of balance that is going to keep it in good trim, and with a only a few years in the cellar, it will gain the polished poise so often found in Chasseur Pinots.
* 90 CHASSEUR Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006
If a bit more expressive in its aromas than in the mouth, this one is nevertheless very much on point as to precise red cherry fruit from front to back. It is slightly rounded in feel with good acidity and light but evident astringency and just a tag-end of finishing dryness from those tannins. Still, it is a very fine wine and wants only roasts and chops to show well.
** 94 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill Sonoma Coast 2006
If somewhat reluctant when first poured, this still nascent effort unfolds in the glass with straightforward apple and pear fruit to start before adding in rich and layered notes of creme brulee, pear nectar, brioche and hints of roasted nuts. The wine is full on the palate and beautifully balanced and echoes its aromatic beginnings with candied and pulpy fruit flavors whose depth and range come with airing. Be sure to allow this special effort a few years to fill out; it has plenty of room to grow and is certain to reward a bit of patience.
** 93 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2006
This wine may only bear an "appellation" moniker but its depth and complexity lift it into the highly recommended ranks. It has more early openness in its aromas than some of the other efforts from Chasseur, and its oak, lees, solidly appley fruit and its pulpy, almost juicy demeanor make it one to drink while those other worthies find full voice. And, while aging is not needed, this one will hold up well for years to come.
** 92 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley 2006
There is an extra bit of ripeness here, and it serves both to deepen the wine and also to add a slight bit of weightiness to it. Smells of fresh crushed apples, fully ripened pears and creamy oak jump from the glass, and those same attractions feature in the plump and outgoing flavors as well. At the finish, the wine does bring touches of heat and coarseness into play, but they are small bits of bother in a quite stunning effort.
** 92 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2006
** 92 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2006
Green apples and creamy oak make for a fairly classic beginning here, and the wine, like its brethren unfolds over time as its stone and chalk minerality gives in to sweeter fruit and increasingly rich smells. It is full in body and firm but not hard on the palate with long, vital flavors that promise more and better to come over the next several years.
**91 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard Russian River Valley 2006
The most obvious and open of the Chasseur group, this toasty, leesy, fresh apple cider-smelling bottling mixes a blousy, open, high volume side with a bit of still tight, citrusy fruit. There is not a lot tight about the wine in the mouth however, and its pulpy, beamy, oak-enriched flavors flood the palate while also bringing both heat and slight bitterness into play. Be sure to partner this one with savory dishes.
**91 CHASSEUR Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard Russian River Valley 2006
The most obvious and open of the Chasseur group, this toasty, leesy, fresh apple cider-smelling bottling mixes a blousy, open, high volume side with a bit of still tight, citrusy fruit. There is not a lot tight about the wine in the mouth however, and its pulpy, beamy, oak-enriched flavors flood the palate while also bringing both heat and slight bitterness into play. Be sure to partner this one with savory dishes.
2007 WINERY OF THE YEAR
Some wineries seem to emerge from the womb and issue brilliant wines from their first day. Others take a more measured path. Our 2007 Winery Of The Year took the middle path. We can’t remember many wines from Chasseur that were anything but attractive, and we can’t recall any of Bill Hunters’ 2007 releases that are not among the best he has ever done or among the best that anyone is doing. His Pinot Noirs and his Chardonnays are setting the pace these days as reflected by their frequent mentions in our list of our favorite wines below, and perhaps, more importantly, reflected in the rather astounding number of two and three star wines that have come from the winery this year.
Some wineries seem to emerge from the womb and issue brilliant wines from their first day. Others take a more measured path. Our 2007 Winery Of The Year took the middle path. We can’t remember many wines from Chasseur that were anything but attractive, and we can’t recall any of Bill Hunters’ 2007 releases that are not among the best he has ever done or among the best that anyone is doing. His Pinot Noirs and his Chardonnays are setting the pace these days as reflected by their frequent mentions in our list of our favorite wines below, and perhaps, more importantly, reflected in the rather astounding number of two and three star wines that have come from the winery this year.
*** 95 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Sylvia's Dutton Sonoma County 2005
From its deep and seamlessly fit aromas of pure cherry-like fruit and sweet oak spice to its wonderfully precise varietal flavors, this beautifully balanced bottling hits all the right marks and is a stunning display of real refinement and fruity depth. For all of its precision and polish, it is still a very young wine with plenty of room for improvement, and, providing that its considerable charms can be resisted, it will only impress more if allowed to rest for a few years. $60.00
*** 95 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Sexton Russian River Valley 2005
From its deep and seamlessly fit aromas of pure cherry-like fruit and sweet oak spice to its wonderfully precise varietal flavors, this beautifully balanced bottling hits all the right marks and is a stunning display of real refinement and fruity depth. For all of its precision and polish, it is still a very young wine with plenty of room for improvement, and, providing that its considerable charms can be resisted, it will only impress more if allowed to rest for a few years. $60.00
*** 95 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Sexton Russian River Valley 2005
Serving as something of a bridge between Chasseur's elegant Sylvia's and opulent Freestone Station bottlings, this lovely wine exhibits the best of both with its complex expressions of cherries and violets and perfectly fit oak. It is full and fleshy in feel with a terrific sense of concentration and just the right touch of tannin for structural grip, and, like both of its show-stopping partners, it is absolutely delicious right now yet will develop in bottle for a good many years. $55.00
** 93 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley 2005
Among the several outstanding Chasseur Pinot Noirs, this is the ripest and most lush of the lot. It oozes with very sweet cherries and is just a bit fat on the palate, but it never once gives up to its ripeness and keeps its sights set on keenly defined fruit from first sniff on through to its very long finish. If it is not as refined as the Sylvia's bottling nor quite as solid as the Sexton, it is still a great success in its own right. $60.00
** 91 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Blank Sonoma Coast 2005
** 93 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Freestone Station Russian River Valley 2005
Among the several outstanding Chasseur Pinot Noirs, this is the ripest and most lush of the lot. It oozes with very sweet cherries and is just a bit fat on the palate, but it never once gives up to its ripeness and keeps its sights set on keenly defined fruit from first sniff on through to its very long finish. If it is not as refined as the Sylvia's bottling nor quite as solid as the Sexton, it is still a great success in its own right. $60.00
** 91 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Blank Sonoma Coast 2005
Standing slightly apart from its cellarmates insofar as its pushy ripeness brings with it a suggestion of dried berries and a touch of finishing heat, this bottling may wander a bit from the classic model, but it scores high marks for its compelling richness and depth. It is a substantial Pinot that does not sacrifice balance for size, and, rather than being heavy or soft, it is surprisingly well-structured and has room to grow. $60.00
** 89 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Twin Hill Sonoma Coast 2005
To be our least favorite of the Chasseur Pinots turns out to still be high praise, for as this offering comes up a little less deep in fruit than its mates, it is nonetheless a likeable and well-focused look at the grape. It shows a faint brushy note both in the nose and again in its flavors, and, even while firming and tapering a bit at the end, it is defined first and last by its ongoing themes of sweet cherries. $55.00
** 89 Points Chasseur Pinot Noir Twin Hill Sonoma Coast 2005
To be our least favorite of the Chasseur Pinots turns out to still be high praise, for as this offering comes up a little less deep in fruit than its mates, it is nonetheless a likeable and well-focused look at the grape. It shows a faint brushy note both in the nose and again in its flavors, and, even while firming and tapering a bit at the end, it is defined first and last by its ongoing themes of sweet cherries. $55.00
*** 96 Points 2005 ChasseurChardonnaySangiacomoGreenAcresHillSonomaCoast
Very reliant on winemaking complexities for its extraordinary sense of range, this deeply fruity effort has a full-bodied, mouthfilling feel on the palate yet is so impeccably bal- anced that it also matches the long-aging potential of Chasseur's Lorenzo bottling without giving up any of the ready, come-hither approach that is the hallmark of the Twin Hill edition. In short, this one comes as close to capturing the best that California has to offer in Chardonnay. $48.00
** 93 Pioints 2005 Chasseur Chardonnay Twin Hill Ranch Sonoma Coast
This wine delivers a slightly sweeter brand of appley fruit along with a slightly elevated sense of ripeness and all the other deluxe trappings that are so integral to the wildly successful Chasseur approach to Chardonnay. It is supple and rounded and is more open and accessible than the Green Acres Hill but at no point does it lose out to heaviness and excess. It will pair up deliciously with rich salmon and swordfish dishes. $48.00
** 92 Points 2005 ChasseurChardonnayLorenzoVineyardRussianRiverValley
Starting with complexing notes of roasted grains and showing a very deep and streamlined fruity note, the nose of this generous yet still developing youngster only partially prepares one for the stunning balance and depth of the wine on the palate. It has all the sweet, juicy fruit expected of the best of its appellation, and it backs it up with the richness of creme brulee and citrus blossom in flavors and aftertaste of amazing length. Withal, it is destined for better things some two years hence and seems likely to hold over twice that time and more. $55.00
** 91 Points 2005 ChasseurChardonnayDurellVineyardSonomaValley
The biggest, fullest, most obviously extracted of the expressive Chasseur offerings, it will prove to be enormously rewarding to those who want their Chardonnays to be crafted with riveting drama and palate weight. Its butter and cream first impressions are filled out by fat, pulpy fruit that crosses the line from appley into peachy and carries unmistakable oaky spice at every turn. It may be a bit much for us mere mortals, however, and we should pay heed to the warnings of excess. $55.00
This wine delivers a slightly sweeter brand of appley fruit along with a slightly elevated sense of ripeness and all the other deluxe trappings that are so integral to the wildly successful Chasseur approach to Chardonnay. It is supple and rounded and is more open and accessible than the Green Acres Hill but at no point does it lose out to heaviness and excess. It will pair up deliciously with rich salmon and swordfish dishes. $48.00
** 92 Points 2005 ChasseurChardonnayLorenzoVineyardRussianRiverValley
Starting with complexing notes of roasted grains and showing a very deep and streamlined fruity note, the nose of this generous yet still developing youngster only partially prepares one for the stunning balance and depth of the wine on the palate. It has all the sweet, juicy fruit expected of the best of its appellation, and it backs it up with the richness of creme brulee and citrus blossom in flavors and aftertaste of amazing length. Withal, it is destined for better things some two years hence and seems likely to hold over twice that time and more. $55.00
** 91 Points 2005 ChasseurChardonnayDurellVineyardSonomaValley
The biggest, fullest, most obviously extracted of the expressive Chasseur offerings, it will prove to be enormously rewarding to those who want their Chardonnays to be crafted with riveting drama and palate weight. Its butter and cream first impressions are filled out by fat, pulpy fruit that crosses the line from appley into peachy and carries unmistakable oaky spice at every turn. It may be a bit much for us mere mortals, however, and we should pay heed to the warnings of excess. $55.00
*** 95 Points Chasseur Durell Sonoma Coast 2004 Chardonnay
Vying with the Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill for bragging rights as Chasseur's very best effort, this powerful, amazingly concentrated wine tempers its wealth of wonderfully juicy fruit with an equal measure of very sweet and mildly spicy oak. It is fleshy, full-bodied and absolutely mouthfilling in feel, and yet it is sparked by perfectly placed acidity that keeps it ever bright and alive. It is wide open and ready to go despite having the ability to age for a few years, and it deserves a place at the table with such special-occasion dinners as richly sauced lobster or, more fittingly, Quail Chasseur.
*** 96 Points Chasseur Sangiacomo Green Acres Hill 2004 Chardonnay
Among the richest and most impressively filled of the Chasseur Chardonnays, or those from any other producer for that matter, this immense and altogether compelling wine is fit with layer upon layer of ripe apples, creamy oak, minerals and complexing lees, and it maintains a remarkable sense of energy from beginning to end. Its slight touch of finishing heat is made moot by its enveloping richness, its fruity concentration and its unequaled depth, and, as completely riveting as it may be at the moment, it has all the pieces in place for several more years of increasing improvement.
** 94 Points Chasseur Lorenzo Russian River Valley 2004 Chardonnay
Rich oak, a bit of lees and a touch of minerals are intertwined with the nicely defined and well-concentrated fruit of this fleshy and full-bodied working, and the wine tempers its tantalizing impressions of succulence with just the right measure of firming acidity. If perhaps a shade less layered and a little more direct than the highest scoring of its cellarmates, it is still a remarkably generous Chardonnay that is well worth seeking out, and it is comfortably counted among the many remarkable, very high-achieving wines of Chasseur.
** 92 Pts. Chasseur Russian River Valley 2004 Chardonnay
If anything a deeper and even more concentrated wine than its partner from the SonomaCoast, this richly fruited Chardonnay is absolutely brimming with oak-sweetened apples and sports an uncommon marriage of potency and very fine balance. It is full and fleshy in feel, and its richness is sustained through an exceptionally long and flavorful finish. Like its siblings, it is sure to grow better with time, but it offers so much to like at present that we find it easy enough to side with those whose attitude is "patience be damned".
* 90 Pts. Chasseur Twin Hill Sonoma Coast 2004 Chardonnay
With its very deep and impressively extracted aromas of fully-ripened fruit, minerals and lavish oak, there is little choose from between this wine and any one of several of its similarly well-endowed siblings, but it is by comparison a touch abbreviated on the palate and shows its heat a little more than its mates. It will certainly find smoothing when matched up with the richer foods that its entire clan requires, but its slight raggedness costs it a second star.
* 90 Pts. Chasseur Sonoma Coast 2004 Chardonnay
Very much showing the rich and extracted style that seems the signature stamp of the current crop of Chasseur Chardonnays, this fleshy, full-bodied offering marries lots of pulpy, fully ripe fruit with a wealth of creamy oak and finds a subtle suggestion of minerals running its length. For all of its considerable size, it is very well-balanced and avoids any impression of heaviness. Its power impresses now, but its structure makes it one to set aside for a couple of years.
** 93 Pts.ChasseurFrestoneStationRussianRiverValley2004 Pinot Noir
Deep and incisive varietal fruit leads the way at every point of this rich and genuinely juicy wine while creamy oak and glints of vanillin spice sweeten the mix. As with nearly all of the Chasseur bottlings, it is never overly beholden to ripeness, and its altogether impeccable balance and stunning length make it our favorite of a very good lot. Patient collectors can expect upwards of three to five years of improvement, but it is simply so delicious now that waiting much longer will prove a real challenge.
** 92 Pts. Chasseur Sylvia's Russian River Valley 2004 Pinot Noir
Although a little less outgoing in the nose than the rest of the bunch from Chasseur, this youthful, well-focused Pinot Noir is anything but withdrawn in the mouth. Its deep and full-scaled flavors are simply jam-packed with concentrated cherries, and it takes on added richness from its generous appointment of sweet oak. For all of its considerable ripeness and size, it remains very pure in fruit, and, as utterly tasty as it is at the moment, it can only get better with time.
* 90 Pts. Chasseur Joyce Sonoma Coast 2004 Pinot Noir
Bare wisps of varietally typical brushiness sit to the rear of lots of very rich, ripe-cherry fruitiness and sweet, caramelly oak in both the aromas and flavors of this very deep, keenly defined Pinot and lend a twist of difference between this wine and its cellarmates from Chasseur. Full, fleshy and supple in feel, it is firmed by integral acidity and offers lots of immediate appeal as well as the promise for better with age.
** 91 Pts. Chasseur Sonoma Coast 2004 Pinot Noir
The only problem we can see with the several very successful Chasseur Pinot Noirs is one of limited supply. That said, this very deep and generously fruited rendition has the richness and real range that makes its finding wholly worthwhile. Creamy, vanilla bean spice enriches its every aspect while unstinting cherry is fruit leads the way, and the wine is at once neatly balanced and wonderfully succulent all the way through to a very long and layered finish.
** 91 Pts. Chasseur Russian River Valley 2004 Pinot Noir
On the one hand possessing the pure cherry-like qualities that are particular to Russian River Pinot, this wine runs to ripeness and allows an extra bit of alcohol to show through at the end. It is so rich in extract, however, as to easily swallow its heat, and its prevailing motif is one of concentrated, keenly varietal fruit. As ripe as it is, it is also surprisingly well-balanced, and there is reason enough to believe that it will become more complex and expansive with additional age.
** 91 Pts. Chasseur Lorenzo Russian River Valley 2002 Chardonnay
Exhibiting just a shade of haziness in the glass, this bright, deep and energetic effort focuses on ripe gala apples in its handsomely cast aromas before turning to richer notes of caramel and creme brulee. It is fairly full in weight and somewhat fleshy in feel yet is always in balance both in palate and feel and in its mix of ripe fruit and lively acids. Complex and rich all the way to the end. It will work well with tasty shellfish dishes.
** 91 Pts. Chasseur Durell Sonoma Valley 2002 Chardonnay
All of the Chasseur Chardonnays exhibit ample ripeness, plenty of lees and unstinting oak, but this bottling joins the “Lorenzo” in matching its winemaking richness with equally evident fruit and thus comes up a bit more complete than most of its mates. Big broad and wonderfully mouthfilling in feel, it is a powerful wine that shows layer upon layer of caramel, vanilla, toast and ripe apples, and it very clearly needs drinking with appropriately full-flavored foods.
* 90 Pts. Chasseur Russian River Valley 2002 Chardonnay
Sweet smells of honey, graham crackers, vanilla and very ripe apples provide this one with recognizable Chasseur stamp of richness, but, in the mouth, the wine is slightly brighter and a shade less weighty than the rest of its kin. Its straightforward flavors of apples and cream are trimmed with a crisping touch of last-minute acidity, and it will find very comfortable use with simple chicken or meaty fish dishes where its heavier, oak driven siblings might fail.
Sweet smells of honey, graham crackers, vanilla and very ripe apples provide this one with recognizable Chasseur stamp of richness, but, in the mouth, the wine is slightly brighter and a shade less weighty than the rest of its kin. Its straightforward flavors of apples and cream are trimmed with a crisping touch of last-minute acidity, and it will find very comfortable use with simple chicken or meaty fish dishes where its heavier, oak driven siblings might fail.
** 92 Pts. Chasseur Sylvia's Russian River Valley 2002 Pinot Noir
Ripe, somewhat outgoing aromas of red cherries with a touch of a heavier black cherry component are nicely filled out by toasty caramelly oak notes. The wine is medium-full-bodied and has a slightly velvety feel on the palate while staying on the mannerly, balanced side of the spectrum. It is still developing and has the pieces in place to get better with bottle age and is well worth holding for two to five years.
** 91 Pts. Chasseur Sonoma Coast 2002 Pinot Noir
Ripe without overdoing it and favoring red cherries with a hint of dried berries, this attractive wine shares the well-mannered mantle with its mate, and if somewhat juicy in style, it is given over to rich and creamy oak as well. Moderately tannic and just a touch of hot in its otherwise polished finish, this one wants a bit of age but can and will serve comfortably even now alongside beef or lamb roasts.
Chasseur Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard 2005 - 94 POINTSReaders looking for a grand cru Chablis-styled California white should check out the 2005 Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard. Sensational notes of lemon, citrus blossoms, wet stones, orange rind and guava as well as an unmistakable minerality are followed by a wine of great ripeness, purity and full-bodied power as well as length. Despite the fact that it was aged in nearly two-thirds new French oak, the wood is impossible to discern in the wine's aroma and flavor profiles. IT should drink well for 3-4 years.
Chasseur Chardonnay Green Acres Hill - 95 POINTS
The 2005 Chardonnay Green Acres Hill largely comes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard parcel of this name. It exhibits a greenish hue to the light gold color in addition to beautiful, sweet aromas of white peaches, lemon blossom, brioche, pineapples and Allspice. Full-bodied with excellent acidity as well as layers of fruit, this is another example of what an unreal vintage 2005 has turned out to be for Chardonnay. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
Chasseur Durell Chardonnay 2005 - 94
PointsLemon, peach, crushed rock, toasty oak and tropical fruit characteristics emerge from the full-bodied, expressive, flamboyantly aromatic 2005 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard. This sensual, seductive, super-intense, pure effort should drink well for 2 - 3 years.
Chasseur Freestone Station Pinot Noir 2005 - 94 Points
Chasseur Sylvia's Pinot Noir 2005 - 94 Points
Chasseur Blank Pinot Noir 2005 - 91 Points
Chasseur Green Acres Hill Chardonnay 2002 - 94 POINTS
The sumptuous 2002 Chardonnay Green Acres Hill could easily pass for a grand cru Burgundy. Its light green/gold color is accompanied by lovely aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, citrus oils, and notions of peaches and hazelnuts in the background. This full-bodied effort possesses outstanding structure, crisp acidity, and a long, spicy finish. Still youthful, this superb example of artisanal Chardonnay from the Russian River should age for 5-7 more years.
$42.50 / bottle
$42.50 / bottle
Chasseur Lorenzo Chardonnay 2002 - 92 POINTS
The 2002 Chardonnay Lorenzo reveals a light straw/green color as well as a classic nose of buttered oranges, pineapples, and crushed rocks. Rich, firm, and fresh with a beautiful texture as well as full body, like its siblings, it is a Chardonnay of tremendous soul, personality, and singularity. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.
$50.00 / bottle
The 2002 Chardonnay Lorenzo reveals a light straw/green color as well as a classic nose of buttered oranges, pineapples, and crushed rocks. Rich, firm, and fresh with a beautiful texture as well as full body, like its siblings, it is a Chardonnay of tremendous soul, personality, and singularity. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.
$50.00 / bottle
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