Saddleback Cellars 2008 Pinot Chardonnay Napa Valley

Saddleback Cellars

Our first vintage of Chardonnay dates way back to 1983 from vines planted on our estate that were then just three years old; subsequently, more were added in 1990 when we T-budded a few rows over from Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay on the estate is planted with 7x12 bilateral cordon and dry farmed. Chardonnay now totals 2.9 acres of the 14.8 acres planted on our estate. Today, we enhance our Oakville estate with a small amount of fruit sourced from The Garvey Vineyard in St. Helena, located on East Zinfandel Lane.

Wine Advocate

Wine Advocate # 186
Dec 2009 Robert Parker 88 Drink: N/A
A classic Ric Forman/non-malolactic Chardonnay, the 2008 exhibits abundant aromas of white peaches, apricots, and orange blossoms as well as a crisp, medium-bodied style. It should drink nicely for several years. It is also a reasonably good value for a Chardonnay from Napa Valley.

Wine Spectator

Score: 87
Offers ripe tropical fruit, with pineapple, guava, melon and citrus flavors that are medium-bodied, fruity and clean. Drink now through 2013. 650 cases made. –JL.

Type	White
Varietal	Chardonnay
Vintage	2008
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.5%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley - Oakville
Wine Advocate	88
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	87
Other	n/a

Saddleback Cellars

Established in 1982, Saddleback Cellars is a small winery located in Oakville, in the heart of the Napa Valley. 14.8 total acres are planted to 8.4 acres Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.9 acres Chardonnay, 1.75 acres Merlot, 1.1 acres Pinot Blanc, 0.3 acres Pinot Grigio and 0.3 acres Zinfandel.

Known as “The King of Cabernet,” legendary winemaker and owner, Nils Venge, has been making stellar Cabernet Sauvignon, along with many other varietals here since its establishment. Nils’ philosophy on making wines for Saddleback is that they must reflect the best qualities that Napa Valley has to offer; sometimes a single vineyard, sometimes a single appellation, or a blend of appellations to make the best wine in a particular vintage. Despite his reputation as “The King,” Nils is a down-to-earth, cheerful, full-of-life kind of guy whose wines not only reflect the character of their region, but also seem to reflect his personality – bold, yet approachable, friendly and fun yet with layers of complexities.