Carneros Chardonnay Drinking Beautifully With Some Age

Today’s Story: Auteur Wines

Auteur Wines, established in 2003, is a relatively small producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California’s Sonoma Coast. A family venture, Auteur is owned and operated by husband and wife Kenneth and Laura Juhasz. Kenneth found his passion for wine during college while working at restaurants and wine shops, ultimately falling in love with Pinot Noir and the endless possibilities of the variety. He worked harvests in the Willamette Valley, Napa, and New Zealand before starting Auteur with Laura. Laura, on the other hand, grew up in rural Wisconsin and worked in pharma when she met Kenneth in Oregon. Ultimately the two moved to Sonoma to start their passion project of making wine.

Auteur works closely with vineyard partners, sourcing from some of the greatest sites throughout the Sonoma Coast. While Gaps Crown, Ferrington, and Savoy may sound familiar for their Pinot Noir and Hyde for their Chardonnay, Auteur sources from other sites as well of equally incredible pedigree.

Today’s Wine: 2012 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay; 13% ABV

The 2012 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is deep gold in color, certainly showing some age. Given some time to blossom in the glass, the aromas are of medium (+) intensity and the nose showcases notes of baked pear, yellow apple, apricot, orange marmalade, honey, toasted nuts, buttercream, and stony mineral. Meanwhile the flavors are also of medium (+) intensity and the palate displays notes of baked yellow apple, golden pear, lemon, white florals, brioche, dried vanilla, almond, and mineral. This dry white is medium- to full-bodied with medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol, and a medium length finish.

Price: $40. This is drinking incredibly well right now, both showcasing its age but maintaining acidity and proving complex as it opens in the glass. While I’d love for the finish to be a bit longer, given the age and quality I think this is a fair price if you find it today.