93 The Tasting Panel

While this wine’s primary fruit hails from the 15-acre “Y” Block planted exclusively for Qupé, grapes are also sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Maria Valley. Winemaker Bob Lindquist goes “barreldirty,” his reference to aging on the lees for a fair amount of time (in this case, nine months). He uses Burgundy and new Syrah barrels for fermentation purposes, allowing for more new oak while “taking the edge off the barrel when used for Syrah.” Following a nose of caramel apple and Bosc pears, the oak notes emerge alongside flavors offering that sensual and textural leesy character. Verbena and ripe pineapple stage themselves on the palate’s round and buoyant texture, and the acidity manages to be both opulent and racy.

91 Erin Brooks - Robert Parker's the Wine Advocate

The 2016 Chardonnay Y Block has a pretty nose of orange blossom, honey toast and toasted hazelnut with pie crust, warm peaches, baked apples and stony hints. Medium to full-bodied, it has good intensity of savory fruits with tangy freshness and a long finish.