2010 Wind Gap "Brosseau Vineyard" Chalone Chardonnay (Previously $40)

The 2010 Chardonnay Brosseau is one of the great wines of the year. Crushed rocks, gun flint, graphite, lemon and green pears are all alive in the glass. The 2010 is ultimately all about energy, tension and pure minerality, qualities that aren't often associated with California Chardonnay, but that are very much present here. Proprietor Pax Mahle fermented 60% of the juice in concrete and 40% in oak. Simply put, the Brosseau is a stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. This is another exciting, captivating set of wines from Wind Gap and Pax Mahle. Readers who have not yet discovered Wind Gap owe it to themselves to do so. These are some of the most gorgeous, nuanced wines being made in California today. (AG) (7/2013)

Pale yellow, with a green hue. High-pitched, mineral-accented aromas of citrus zest, pear, iodine and white flowers. Silky, expansive and complex, with a chewy texture to its intense flavors of Meyer lemon, pear skin, ginger and honeysuckle. Finishes sappy and very long, with resonating floral and mineral notes. (ST) (5/2013)