Patz & Hall Chardonnay Makes Old Bones

Patz & Hall Chardonnay Hudson 2006

Medium gold color. Subtle nose of caramel, baked apples, blood orange and jasmine, becoming more smokey as it opens up. Round, rich and leesy on the palate with very pleasant floral, citrus and Golden Delicious apple notes leading into a refined toasty, hazelnut finish. A very steely backbone of acidity runs through the wine keeping things lively and clean. While a little compact when first opened, it became much more complete, poised and complex as it developed in the glass. Could easily be a ringer in a Chassagne Morgeot flight.  Food-wise this would be a perfect match for trout or skate in brown butter and has enough grip and substance to stand up to grilled game birds. While drinking most California Chardonnay at 6 years of age is a roll of the dice, Patz & Hall is producing wines with the requisite structure to reward some time in the cellar. $49