The 2011 Chardonnay Mountain Estate Vineyard is quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the 2010 tasted alongside it. Lemon, white flowers and pastry all come to life. Hints of white pepper and nectarine add elements of exoticism that are highly attractive, while saline notes add lift, brightness and focus. The 2011 hadn’t quite finished its malolactic fermentation at the time of this tasting. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019. Fisher Vineyards is very much a family affair. Fred and Juelle Fisher founded the winery in 1973 and have since been joined by their three children. Whitney Fisher handles the winemaking duties, her brother Cameron takes care of sales and their brother Rob runs the business as General Manager. The Fishers own two estates. Their Napa Valley property, located in Calistoga, is the source of the flagship Cabernets Coach Insignia and Lamb Vineyard, as well as the Cameron, a young vines bottling. The Spring Mountain estate, which is on the Sonoma side of the appellation, is the source of the Wedding Vineyard and Mountain Estate Vineyard Cabernets, as well as the Chardonnays. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted. Fisher Vineyards remains one of California’s undiscovered jewels. Tel. (707) 539-7511

The 2011 Chardonnay Mountain Estate Vineyard is quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the 2010 tasted alongside it. Lemon, white flowers and pastry all come to life. Hints of white pepper and nectarine add elements of exoticism that are highly attractive, while saline notes add lift, brightness and focus. The 2011 hadn’t quite finished its malolactic fermentation at the time of this tasting. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019. Fisher Vineyards is very much a family affair. Fred and Juelle Fisher founded the winery in 1973 and have since been joined by their three children. Whitney Fisher handles the winemaking duties, her brother Cameron takes care of sales and their brother Rob runs the business as General Manager. The Fishers own two estates. Their Napa Valley property, located in Calistoga, is the source of the flagship Cabernets Coach Insignia and Lamb Vineyard, as well as the Cameron, a young vines bottling. The Spring Mountain estate, which is on the Sonoma side of the appellation, is the source of the Wedding Vineyard and Mountain Estate Vineyard Cabernets, as well as the Chardonnays. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted. Fisher Vineyards remains one of California’s undiscovered jewels.Tel. (707) 539-7511