A brilliant offering is the 2001 Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard, a 520-case cuvee from the cool Green Valley. It possesses a fabulous texture, medium to full body, and a potentially superb nose of flint, lemon oils, pineapples, background toasty oak, and a hint of caramel. Full-bodied, weighty, and rich yet remarkably agile on its feet because of good underlying acidity, this stunning Chardonnay should drink well for 5-6 years.
Sullivan’s 2001 Chardonnays, much like his 2001 Zinfandels, appear to be the finest yet produced by this Russian River winery. All four Chardonnays are French in style, and could easily be mistaken for Cote de Beaune grand crus.
Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895