Best Chev (Chardonnay or Pinot) ever for the Tasting Panel and Somm Journal:
Michael Browne crafted a seductive Chardonnay offering alluring apricot nectar and white chocolate. A steely middle tames any richness, while the exotic incense of allspice, gardenia, and acacia pampers the palate.
And for Cristaldi:
“We’re aiming for a Montrachet or Meursault style,” says Michael Browne—and this gets remarkably close. It’s electric on the palate, driven by terrific salinity and a fantastic, saline-acid grip. Lemony brightness cuts through layers of crushed Marcona almonds, green apple, and crunchy pear. There’s wonderful weight and richness, yet it stays precise, focused, and energetic throughout—totally vibrant and full of tension. That juicy acidity settles on the palate the way a good Montrachet does, but with its own lively edge.
And also for Ken’s Wine Guide:
This medium golden yellow gold colored Chardonnay from CHEV opens with an inviting gentle pineapple and poached Bartlet pear bouquet with hints of oak, honeysuckle, and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, exceptionally smooth, slightly viscous, and supple. The flavor profile is gentle pineapple and yellow peach blend with notes of lemon tea and cantaloupe. We also detected hints of toasted coconut and butter. The finish is dry and its flavors and finesse acidity drift away nicely.
They rare it above the Kosta-Browne Chardonnays, too.
This is legitimate top-tier luxury stuff.
