2012 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Ample and creamy on the palate, the 2012 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard offers lovely textural breadth. Dried pear, hazelnut, smoke, spices and apricot pit nuances flesh out in the glass. The 2012 could use another year or two in bottle, as it is quite intense at this stage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard possesses notes of crisp acids, tropical fruits, medium to full body, and an elegant, steely style. Drink now-2021
Bright yellow. Mineral-accented citrus fruits, iodine and white flowers on the powerfully scented nose. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated pear and Meyer lemon flavors, complicated by notes of smoky lees and honey. Chewy and expansive on the finish, which lingers with superb intensity and clarity.
The 2012 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard is once again striking. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2012 is naturally quite young and not fully formed, but it nevertheless is super-impressive. The balance of fruit, acidity and structural elements is terrific.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.