Nicholson Jones Dolly Hill Chardonnay 2013 | Brilliant Unoaked Chardonnay

Nicholson Jones Dolly Hill Chardonnay 2013 is shimmering gold in the glass. Fantastic aromas of ripe yellow apple and tropical fruits — mango, papaya with sweet cream with a stunning mineral through-line. Rich and mouth-filling with vibrant acidity and a long, energetic finish.  From Winemaker Julien Fayard.

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Nicholson Jones Dolly Hill Chardonnay 2013 from Parker’s “vintage of a lifetime” has the luscious texture of Napa Carneros Chardonnay, balanced by the freshness I love in a terrific Fumé Blanc. “The French say ‘aerien,’” Fayard told me, which translates to “elevated and pure.” That’s this wine in a nutshell. There are only two places to acquire it: from the winery mailing list, or here at just $30 per bottle.

 Nicholson Jones Dolly Hill Chardonnay 2013 is the result of Fayard’s meticulous skill.  It is a beautiful Grand Cru Chablis-inspired Chardonnay made with native yeast and fermented and aged in stainless steel. Most of all without oak or malolactic conversion.  Furthermore, In the blockbuster vintage of 2013, the grapes ripened perfectly in Truchard’s relatively warm spot in Carneros.  And are bursting with vibrant acidity.

Carneros Chardonnay – Napa White Burgundy

Standing at the top of Dolly Hill, Fayard pointed south to where the Bay would be, but at 8:15 a.m. it was still shrouded in misty Pacific Ocean fog. “The ocean breeze brings a real saline factor,” and the local shrub-grass which had been tilled into the soils made for an incredible aromatic experience.  While the same experience of Fayard’s Nicholson Jones Chardonnay in the glass, bursting with Fumé Blanc-like minerality.  And saline pops courtesy of the Pacific with a distinct undercurrent of wild, fresh herbs.

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Next, I was thinking about the Robert Parker quote in which he raved that a Julien Fayard wine he’d tasted, “just has it all.  So, it is really a wine to diagram and analyze over and over to see what true perfection really is.  While, standing up against the old-vine trunks at Dolly Hill, listening to Fayard explain how the tiny berries from these vines churn out the very rich, mineral-driven, complex Chardonnay.  And we were also swirling in two Riedel Burgundy glasses, brought along for the occasion — it all made sense.

Winemaker Julien Fayard

Winemaker Julien Fayard resume is heavy with accolades for his mouthwatering 98-100-point red wines off Beckstoffer To Kalon.  Note: the final results are not in yet, but he’s one point away from perfection.  And all his expert touch — and restraint — displays in full in this exquisite Nicholson Jones Dolly Hill Chardonnay 2013 Old World-inspired white.

First of all, Julien studied in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.  Also has worked in Provence, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and the Napa Valley. His journey to Nicholson Jones included experience gleaned at the sides of renown Winemasters. Notably including Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite before coming to Quintessa in the Napa Valley in 2003.  While Julien worked as a winemaker in Southern France for 3-years at Chateau Sainte Marguerite, a Cru Classé winery located in the Cote d’Azur.