2008 Toasted Head Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay
Mission Codename: Burn it Free
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Send Agent Red Toasted Head, a winery best known for producing wines that are distinctive and delicious. Their wines are made using fine oak barrels that have been hand-toasted, in order to impart additional character and finesse. In time for springtime enjoyment, procure every last bottle of their 2008 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Toasted Head
Wine Subject: 2008 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay – Russian River Valley
Winemaker: Blake Kuhn
Backgrounder: The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Chardonnay (as well as Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel) of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the RRVideal for growing Burgundian varietals. This AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Gorgeous medium golden-yellow, with perfectly even color, from core to edge. Skinny tears start high on the glass. After a few moments, they move slowly down the glass.
Smell – Zesty lemon, sweet lemon curd, citrus custard, vanilla and pineapple leap from the glass. As the wine warms and airs out, it also reveals Asian mango, sweet white spice, white flowers and toasty oak (imagine that!).
Feel – Out of the wine chiller, the wine has a somewhat lightweight feel. Allow the wine to warm, slightly, and it magically becomes more weighty, soft and silky smooth. Bright acids and subtle spice give added complexity.
Taste – Tart and sweet, leading with citrus, pineapple, lime zest and a flinty minerality. Again, allow the wine to warm up a little, and receive the rewards of sweet white flowers, custard and toasty vanilla.
Finish – Long and clean, with lingering flavors of citrus and pineapple that give way to minerals, French custard and white flowers.
Conclusion – This distinctive limited-availability Chardonnay is a big, flavorful wine with plenty of character. With lots of dark oak flavor, this wine still shines with solid fruit. Smooth, but not buttery, this wine is a real palate-pleaser, as well. Be sure to allow the wine to warm up in the glass, for best flavors and aromatics. As the wine warms, it really opens up, revealing characteristics that were not there on opening. Pair with something zesty, like a BBQ chicken! Also, act quickly, as we will sell out!
