1996 Silhouette
Varietals
100% Chardonnay
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.5% by volume
Flavor Profile
Bright straw color. Expressive aromas of butterscotch, coconut, lemon and apple. A very layered aromatic profile also showing tropical fruit, toast and vanilla bean. Upon entry on the palate all of these aromas seem to explode with an overall sensation of richness and power. Dominant notes seem to be the butterscotch, coconut and toast qualities. The finish is one which seems to last and last.
- Vineyard Notes
100% from the Napa side of Carneros: 70% Merryvale Stanly Ranch Estate, 30% Hyde Vineyard
- From The Wine Advocate: "The fascinating 1996...
… Chardonnay Silhouette boasts a fabulous nose of smoke, butter, and toast, followed by full-bodied leesy, orange, mineral, and honeyed citrus-like flavors, a layered concentration, and excellent equilibrium and length. Fortunately, 1,000 cases of this large-scaled wine were produced. This wine could be inserted as a ringer in a grand cru white Burgundy tasting; it would be difficult to pick it out as a California Chardonnay.” – Robert Parker, Jr. [91 POINTS]
- From San Jose Mercury News: "1998’s top white...
1998’s top white wines linger on the palate…1996 Merryvale Silhouette Chardonnay, Napa Valley. This wine is a tour de force showing exquisite fruit, toasty oak and lovely balance. It is powerful and intense but loaded with style, finesse and even elegance. Superb. 94.” – Anthony Dias Blue [94 POINTS]