92 Jay Miller - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Maison Bleue’s new releases begin with the 2010 Au Contraire Chardonnay sourced from the winery’s estate French Creek Vineyard with its 32-year-old vines. The wine was fermented and aged sur-lie for 7 months with batonnage in a 50-50 mix of seasoned oak and stainless steel. It went through a 50% malolactic fermentation. Inviting aromas of orange blossom, creme fraiche, stony minerals, and baking spices inform the nose of a crisp, vibrant, mouth-filling Chardonnay. Impeccably balanced and lengthy, the wine is surprisingly rich for this style, a tribute to the winemaker. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and should drink well through 2017."