Interestingly, the 2011 Chardonnay Whitney’s Vineyard is the richer of the two Chardonnays, which is the exact opposite of 2010. A creamy, expansive wine, the 2011 caresses the palate from start to finish with layers of expressive fruit. The malolactic fermentation is totally complete in the Whitney’s, which also contributes to the wine’s more generous feel compared to the Estate. It will be interesting to see where both of the 2011s end up in a year’s time. The 2011 hadn’t quite finished its malolactic fermentation at the time of this tasting. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. 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

Interestingly, the 2011 Chardonnay Whitney’s Vineyard is the richer of the two Chardonnays, which is the exact opposite of 2010. A creamy, expansive wine, the 2011 caresses the palate from start to finish with layers of expressive fruit. The malolactic fermentation is totally complete in the Whitney’s, which also contributes to the wine’s more generous feel compared to the Estate. It will be interesting to see where both of the 2011s end up in a year’s time. The 2011 hadn’t quite finished its malolactic fermentation at the time of this tasting. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. 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