The 2015 Shannon Ridge Reserve chardonnay asks you to kick back, to relax.
In its bouquet and on the palate it tells of hammocks swinging between palms and warm, gentle breezes. It sheds the buttery weight of broad shouldered California chardonnays, but is content to leave a little heft on the body, finding a pleasant place in between.
On the nose, fresh stone fruit, pineapple and green apples drift over a warm and cushy hint of peeled banana. The first impression is brisk and bright, yet the earthier banana note fans in heartier aromas — butterscotch, sliced melon and the rinds left behind after a satisfying treat.
The wine is almost melodious when sipped, opening with a dulcet ease that begins to build through the baritone notes of vanilla, earthy spice and split wood. A beat of butterscotch contributes to this scale, stepping the savor down, allowing the impression of a rich, full body.
Yet soaring above this are lively, chirping fruits — peach and pineapple twirling around fresh and juicy apple, with a unique tropical flair that is difficult to define. Kumquat comes to mind, as does quince.
The light, crisp notes brighten the wine, elevating the earthier richness. The fruits linger on the finish, taking on the lush depth of stewing apples.
Winemaker Joy Merrilees works with French oak, and she prefers to allow malolactic fermentation to makes its impression. But the wine likely spent a spell in stainless steel to retain the fresh zing.
“No, it was all barrel fermented and aged,” she explained. “And we actually used a little bit of American oak.”
Indeed, Merrilees and her team employed 35 percent of new wood, the majority of that being American oak subjected to a moderate toast. The French wood was treated more delicately, taking a light toast.
“We wanted to balance the fruit and oak,” Merrilees pointed out.
The result? Again, Shannon Ridge’s 2015 Reserve chardonnay settles into a comfortable, pleasant and relaxed space — a summer vacation afternoon ready to pour from the bottle.
Dave Faries can be reached at 900-2016
