theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Talbott Chardonnay Diamond T Estate

Talbott Chardonnay Diamond T Estate Wine Details
Price:

Description: This is a very special property of the Talbott family. Planted with the Corton-Charlemagne clone in 1982 by Robb Talbott, this 24-acre, tightly spaced vineyard grows in an almost soilless mixture of shale and granite on a mountaintop (1,200 feet elevation) 8 miles from Carmel Bay. The climate is moderated by cool ocean fogs, both in the morning and evening. Crop yields are typically extremely small at Diamond T due to the challenging growing conditions, and the growing season is extended by the vineyard's proximity to the ocean. Diamond T is 100% barrel fermented and has full lees contact for over one year. The wine spends a total of 16 months in French Oak and then is bottle aged for an additional 18 months before release. The end result is an elegant Chardonnay with intense varietal character virtually exploding with rich, complex, concentrated flavors and aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, minerals, and oak that is often compared to the finest Grand Cru Burgundies. Excellent aging potential.

Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.
Diamond:
One of the older varieties. Clean, fruity, delicious wine, best with a sweet finish. A very popular wine. The fresh juice is reminiscent of pineapple.


Reviews




Back to Talbott Vineyards information