Marcassin Chardonnay Marcassin Vyd 2002 (Sonoma Coast)

Slightly hazy yellow.

Truffle/sulfide, caramel, sauteed meat (veal?) nose with lemon oil underneath. Smells deep and rich.

Really packed, wildly concentrated flavors of lemon sauce, caramel, truffle/sulfide/sauteed onion. Structure is fairly easy-going for this bottling, as the acidity seems moderate as does the sulfide/phenolic edge. Nice tension - there's also a textural sweetness start to finish. And, as usual, the finish of caramel/sulfides just doesn't quit.

Really wonderful integration - stupendous concentration and lightness of touch. 14.3% alcohol.

Interesting point - this wine would be considered flawed in many wine competitions.

Stupid. After tasting many bottles of Marcassin, you almost forget why (in the best vintages/more often than not) this stuff is on another level.

$100