These are new releases and I rep them so had them out in the market today.
General impression is that Failla nailed this vintage, the wines have nice overall acid and are not in anyway over ripe. The wines were really light in color but had a depth and breadth that was fantastic.
12’ Failla Chardonnay, Coombesville ‘Haynes’- This wine was the Bella of the Ball for most people, it’s open accessible and really pure. Notes of ripe apple, steel, white flowers almost a little confected on the nose. Palate is easy like a Sunday morning and will please almost anyone with more apples, sweet vanilla, lemon curd, integrated acid and soft tannin.
12’ Failla Chardonnay, Napa, 'Hudson- This to me was the stand out of the Chards. The Hudson has more structure and grip than either the Forman or the ‘Haynes’. Hints of barrel, slate, gravel, steel, hay with a deep nose that keeps on giving with flowers and sweet summertime air. The palate is a bit short, firmed up by the tannin but the acid carries it through. To me the palate will lengthen as the tannin integrates.
12’ Forman Chardonnay, Napa- Talk about a wine that’s ready from the get go. Open knit with a little Chablis on the nose with chalk and sea spray. Nice acid, with clean and pure texture, this wine is built to age with a velvety finish and proper acid up front but as I said drinks really well right now. I also get a little brett on this as well.
12’ Failla Pinot Noir Russian River ‘Keefer’- This wine to me was the biggest curve ball, don’t be fooled by the Russian River on the label as this has balance, acid, freshness with room to grow. It opens almost rose in color with great Raspberry flavors that turn into bing cherry on the nose. Gravelly, fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, earth with great weight and a long finish. Really nice wine that I could see at 15 years old.
12’ Failla Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ‘Savoy’- Bigger, darker (but not that dark) and a little more intense than the ‘Keefer’, this wine has more dark cherries with slate, earth and a bit of mineral this wine is open and drinkable now and probably a 10 year wine.