1997 Silhouette

Varietals

100% Chardonnay

Napa Valley

14.5% by volume

Silhouette is always an age-worthy white wine, and will gain complexity over the next 5-10 years.

Vineyard Notes
100% from the Napa side of Carneros: 70% Merryvale Stanly Ranch Estate, 30% Hyde Vineyard

From Wine Spectator: "Well crafted...
“… with very ripe fruit and layers of fig, pear, spice and apricot notes and well-proportioned oak. Drink now through 2005. 1,300 cases made.” – James Laube [90 POINTS]
From The Wine News: "Complex aromas of menthol...
“… vanilla and oak. Viscous, opulent mouth-feel with flavors of vanilla, hazelnut and orange. Clean, spicy finish.” [90 POINTS]
From The Wine Advocate: "The intense honeyed orange...
“… and tropical fruit scents are accompanied by smoky oak, and creamy texture, and excellent richness and purity. Resembling a grand cru from Burgundy’s Cote d”Or, it should drink well for several years.” – Robert Parker, Jr. [91 POINTS]
From California Grapevine: "Attractive, restrained, toasty...
“… lemony, buttery, nutty, ripe tropical fruit aroma with notes of butterscotch and vanilla; medium-full to full body; forward, plush, supple, toasty, ripe tropical fruit flavors with overtones of vanilla and butterscotch. Highly recommended.” – Nick Ponomareff [Highly Recommended]
From New Release Recommendations: Syndicated Newpaper: "The Merryvale Silhouette...
“… Chardonnay, 1997, Napa, will take your breath away. It is Burgundy crashing into the Napa Valley. it doesn’t fill your mouth like the reserve, but entices you with enchanting flavors. Have it with lobster, or bring it as a ringer to that white Burgundy tasting.” – Layne V. Witherell