Reviews & Ratings

2012 D R Stephens Chardonnay "Rutherford"

Winery: D R Stephens

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Rutherford"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Rutherford

State or country: CA

Price: $60

Cases produced: 239

KWG Score: 88.4 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: February 1, 2015

Wine Review: This pale straw colored Chardonnay from Napa opens with lemon and apple bouquet with hints of oak and cinnamon. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a blend of apple and Werther's Original caramel candies with notes of toasted oak in the background. The finish is dry and its flavors linger for quite some time. This Chard does benefit from a little aeration. Decant it and pair it with pasta carbonara. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The D. R. Stephens Estate 2012 Chardonnay Star Vineyard is our second vintage from this vineyard in Rutherford, and we are thrilled with what the new vintage has provided. Aromas of lemon curd, creme brulee, peach pit, pie crust and a hint of passionfruit burst out of the glass. The palate shows the generosity of the vintage, with a creamy, voluminous texture and notes of melon and anisette. With great length on the finish, we are promised a long life ahead.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell D R Stephens 2012 Chardonnay.