The 2021 Lewis Cellars Sonoma RR Chardonnay is a white wine hailing from the Sonoma appellation in California's North Coast region. Crafted by the esteemed Lewis Cellars, this wine showcases the varietal characteristics of Chardonnay with a bold and rich profile. It is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.7%.
Professional reviewers have noted the wine's distinctive qualities. Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 91, describing the wine as "rich and bold in style, with toasty, smoky overtones of litsea oil, grilled lemon, peach preserves, and marmalade." The review also highlights the "generous spice notes of nutmeg and cardamom" and mentions that "toasted marshmallow flavors linger on the finish, while a soft thread of acidity weaves in and out." The recommendation is to drink it now, indicating that the wine is ready to be enjoyed.
Wine Enthusiast gave the 2021 Lewis Cellars Sonoma RR Chardonnay an excellent score of 94, praising it for its embodiment of the old-school California Chardonnay style. According to the review, "the aroma is dense with baked apples, pineapples, coconut, and toasted oak, while the palate delivers layered, creamy vanilla bean, meringue, and white pepper backed by lemon zest." Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast notes the wine's richness and the interplay of new-oak spices, making it a standout example of its genre.
Both reviews emphasize the wine's complex and layered profile, marked by a balance of ripe fruit flavors and well-integrated oak influences. The contrasting notes of acidity and spice add depth and intrigue, making this Chardonnay a versatile option for pairing with a variety of dishes or enjoying on its own.
In summary, the 2021 Lewis Cellars Sonoma RR Chardonnay is a robust and richly flavored wine that has garnered high praise from critics. Its combination of ripe fruit, toasty oak, and spice makes it a noteworthy choice for aficionados of classic California Chardonnay.