Tasting Notes
Vinous 93
The 2014 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block wraps around the palate with striking depth. Creamy, ample and expressive, the Amphitheater is all about texture. Orange peel, mint, graphite, candied lemon and sweet floral notes abound in this deeply nuanced Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay. There is a lot to like here.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2024
Robert Parker 91
Varner’s 2014 Chardonnay Amphitheater Block Spring Ridge Vineyard spent eight months in 25% new French oak. While it’s the lightest colored Chardonnay in the lineup, it doesn’t lack intensity and offers terrific notes of white peach, honeysuckle, spice and a hint a of mint in its rounded, generous, supple, even sexy personality. Relatively forward and ready to go, drink bottles over the coming 2-4 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2020