Wine Recommendation

Briceland Vineyards

2011 Chardonnay
(Humboldt County)

A rare opportunity to sit through the Best of Appellation panel in review of Humboldt County and Willow Creek AVA wines today brought a lot of excitement. While I do not sit with panels, tasting and listening were well practiced. Then slipping out the back door with the 2011 Briceland Chardonnay to post a glimpse of what Best of Appellation work unfolded for true very north coast Humboldt County.

Not to run in front of our BOA tasting notes coming, this chardonnay is exciting for those who enjoy crisp white wines of varietal and place. Acidity is not in doubt but balanced against a wide background of fruit and flora. It can appear austere at first but then bloom on the palate with clean inference to the grape, chardonnay, with no manipulated features.

Best for last is the unending finish, one that easily carries 10 to 15 minutes if allowed.

Clark Smith will be bringing forward full Best of Appellation tasting notes of this and additional Humboldt County wines. What is very clear is Humboldt County wine represents one of the most compelling examples of regional diversity in California.

Reviewed August 4, 2012 by Roger King.