Lynmar Estate

Quail Hill Chardonnay 2016

Russian River Valley

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This incredible Chardonnay from some of the oldest vines on Lynmar’s Quail Hill Estate is emblematic of the very best aromatics, minerality, finesse, and depth that the Russian River Valley has to offer. 

Vineyard

Lynmar Estate’s 45-acre Quail Hill Vineyard has five distinct blocks of Chardonnay. The largest, Block 14, was planted in 1974 to the Rued Chardonnay Clone, known for its stunning floral notes. The remaining vines are Old Wente Clone, which add a weighty, round richness to this release.

Winemaking

Lynmar’s state-of-the-art, multilevel, gravity-flow winery allows the gentlest treatment of the grapes as they arrive in the cellar. Harvested in the cool, early morning hours, the delicate clusters are transferred to the press with a forklift to avoid pumping. The juice is drained by gravity, then allowed to settle and complete fermentation before being transferred to aging vessels.

This wine spent 14 months in French oak barrels, 55% new.

Tasting Notes

A clear pale straw color in the glass, the Quail Hill Chardonnay emanates vibrant aromas of fresh lemon curd, Jasmine flower, honeycomb and tangerine peel. On the palate, flavors of lemon meringue and kiwi emerge leading to hints of nutmeg and wet stone. Bright acidity carries into a long finish, highlighting notes of lemongrass and pie crust.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Appellation

Russian River Valley

Farming

Sustainable

Alcohol

14.2%

Suggested Retail Price

$60

Reviews

"Honeyed limes, spice, tangerine"

Jeb Dunnuck - September 12, 2019 "This estate has turned out a bevy of truly brilliant Chardonnay, and you can’t go wrong with any of these. Starting with the 2016 Chardonnay Quail Hill Vineyard, it has a slightly green hue in its vibrant gold color and boasts a terrific bouquet of honeyed limes, spice, tangerine, and white flowers, with this terrific sense of salty minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied, balanced, and with both richness and freshness, it’s a winner and should evolve for 7-8 years. This cuvée was barrel fermented and spent 14 months in 55% new French oak."

"Heady floral and toasted oak"

Wine Enthusiast - September 12, 2019 "Heady floral and toasted oak aromas are inviting on the nose. Flavors of crisp apple and pear meld with additions of sea salt and pretzel."

"Complex and savory"

James Suckling - September 12, 2019 "There’s a ripe, rich and smoothly delivered feel to this complex chardonnay with plenty of peach custard and grilled nuts. Super complex and savory. Drink now."

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Quail Hill Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

This incredible Pinot Noir from Lynmar's sustainably farmed Quail Hill Estate vineyard blends a selection of over 15 clones, resulting in a wine of incredible depth and nuance.

Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Russian River Valley

This classic representation of Russian River Chardonnay from Lynmar features a selection of clones, each vinified separately and blended together, that show the range of flavors and textures that can be achieved in this climate. 

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir showcases the purity and vibrancy of the region with nuanced texture and bright aromatics. At its core, this wine is comprised of Lynmar’s three Russian River Valley vineyards - Quail Hill, Susanna’s and Adam’s - along with neighboring properties that share similar viticultural philosophies.