In 2013 we have selected grapes from the Bacigalupi family Vineyard in Russian River Valley, near Healdsburg in Sonoma County. This vineyard has been very famous as it supplied Chardonnay grapes from that same ranch to Chateau Montelena, who won the "Tasting of Paris" in 1976. This tasting has established California wine producers as world-class wine makers, and has stimulated the whole wine industry for the better. Our choice was based on the quality of the grapes, and was also a tribute to the participants of the Paris tasting. Our Chardonnay 2013 was the best we ever did. We are selling the library. It's now aging. Please be advised that may be 1 bottle out of 2 or 3 is not great (past its peak). Hence the discount on price prior to the 80% off.

Here are the tasting notes from Sylvain Nicolas, Best Sommelier of France, at Guy Savoy, Paris:

A widely planted variety of grape, Chardonnay, has found here in the Russian River Valley region of California an ideal “terroir”, as can also be found under different conditions in Burgundy.  This wine is a brilliant yellow with silvery green reflections, crystal clear and luminous.

On opening, the nose shows a lovely, slightly austere restraint, pointing up the citrus notes, like lime, even more, with a strong minerality that imparts an immediate fresh sensation.

It is quickly clear that as the wine opens up with light aeration and a higher temperature of 52°-54°F (11°C or 12°C), its bouquet will deepen and grow more complex. The wine starts to work its charm with aromas of hazelnuts, fresh butter, toast, and frangipane, with a hint of vanilla coming from a careful aging, not fully integrated yet.

This is also a bright wine, evoking the brilliant California sunshine, with scents of exotic fruit; pineapple and coconut combined with highly expressive notes of peach and nectarine maintain a lovely harmony without any heaviness. On the palate, the wine is beautifully lively with a well-controlled balance on attack. The smooth and velvety quality of the chardonnay is just what it should be, without being opulent; it consistently accentuates relief and a certain depth in the drinking. 

This is a genuine California wine, with its generous finish, a light trace of tannin, and the lingering toasty, and vanilla flavors. To drink now, at a temperature of 52°/54°F (10/12ºC), accompanied by roasted lobster with salted butter.