1998 Teatown Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay

In 1997 we were very fortunate to purchase Chardonnay from a highly regarded Napa Valley winery. For our 1998 Chardonnay we were able to buy 2100 gallons of fantastic single vineyard Chardonnay from the same winery. This time we can tell you that this tremendous wine was made entirely from the fruit of the Bald Mountain Vineyard, located on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley. The fruit was harvested in late October in excellent condition and with superb physiological maturity.

The 34 barrels that we purchased were barrel fermented, stirred regularly and went through complete malo-lactic fermentation. 40% of the barrels were new French oak, 54% were one year old French oak and the remaining 6% were two year or older French oak. The wines were racked off the lees and blended in mid-May of 1999. They were allowed to marry for an additional two months in neutral barrels and bottled unfiltered and unfined in mid-July of 1999. 820 cases were produced.

The wine is a deep yellow color. A round, fat spicy nose with citrusy-leesy aromas, a touch of tropical fruits, clean intense Chardonnay fruit, some mineral notes, creamy and buttery and nice balanced oak. In the mouth the fruit is assertive, intense Chardonnay flavors, fat, round and balanced with great acidity and mineral characteristics. Oak is subdued and in balance. Long, crisp, creamy finish.

A note about corks: How many times have you opened a bottle of wine and found it to be corked? The corks that we have used for this bottling are a type called "twin-top composite." With this type of cork, tainted bottles become a very rare event, significantly less than 1%, virtually non-existent.

Reviews of the 1998 Teatown Napa Valley Chardonnay

"Virtual wineries are becoming more common in the United States as companies, such as Teatown, contract wines from established wineries, rather than produce wines themselves. Regardless of origin, this Chardonnay has stunningly rich color, complex aromas, medium-full flaoves and a texture that defines smooth."

- John Vankat, Cincinnati Enquirer
Wine of the Week, November 12, 2000
and
Cincinnati Wine Festival Recommendation
March, 2001

"An interesting name and an interesting approach to Chardonnay. This very ripe, almost honeyed wine, smells of sweet apple juice and high toast barrels with sprinklings of pineapple and roasted almonds also evident. Yet, for all of its complexities, it is somewhat soft and sweet on the palate, and its obvious, lush, honeyed flavors lead it away from true varietal identity. Withal, it is a tasty wine that might partner best with dishes having a bit of a sweet edge in their makeup."

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines
February 2000

More Reviews

If you would like to know about retailers in your area that carry Teatown Cellars Wines, need more information about us, or are interested in ordering our wine, please contact us.

Wine List Reviews Where to Buy About Teatown Cellars History of Teatown