Nuthouse Chardonnay
Entirely from the Lone Star Vineyard, 2015 Nuthouse Chardonnay displays the richness and power of the Eola-Amity Hills, while still balancing along its fluid frame. Yellow peach, lemon pith, marzipan, and roast cashew flicker around dense, yet crystalline delicacy. Entirely barrel fermented, the wine was allowed to age elegantly on full lees for 16 months in French oak, of which 30% were new. The middle palate fills the mouth with weight and texture, while finishing with persistence and definition.
Wine Production Stats
Vineyard: Lone Star
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills
Brix at Harvest: 21.5
Aging: 16 months French Oak, 30% New
Cases Made: 600
Alcohol: 13.8%
Winemakers: Nate Klostermann
The 2015 growing season began with plenty of sunshine and warmth throughout the Spring, leading to an earlier than average bud break. As such, an early bloom kicked off with fantastic weather, leading to an above average fruit set. This required us to meticulously thin our vineyards in order to capture dense, vibrant fruit flavors. The summer was dry, though never getting too hot for too long. Harvest started early at Knudsen Vineyard in the Dundee Hills on August 24th and finished nearly one month later in the upper elevations of the Eola-Amity Hills at our Spirit Hill Vineyard on September 27th. This was our first growing season ever to be done picking before the month of October.
90 Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Lithe and sleek, with polish to the pear, floral and mineral flavors, lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
- Harvey Steiman (2014 vintage)
91 Points
Wine Spectator
Light, bright and refreshing, with grapefruit, pear and floral flavors on a polished frame, lingering on the sleek finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,596 cases made.
- Harvey Steiman (2013 vintage)
91 Points
Wine Spectator
Light, lithe and expressive, with pretty pear, white grapefruit and floral aromas and flavors. A slightly raw edge adds spin to the long finish. Drink now through 2017. 525 cases made.
- Harvey Steiman (2011 vintage)
91 Points
Wine Spectator
Argyle’s 2009 Chardonnay Nuthouse exhibits aromas of ripe pear, melon, baking spices, and hazelnuts. In the glass it displays excellent acidity, savory flavors, and a voluptuous personality. Nicely balanced and lengthy, it will provide pleasure over the next 5-6 years if not longer. I tasted a range of older Chardonnays during my Argyle visit and it seems clear that my aging estimate is on the conservative side.
- Jay Miller (2009 vintage)
92 Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Nuthouse Chardonnay… presented medium straw-colored, it offers up aromas of buttered popcorn, mineral, pear, apple, and hazel nuts. Round and mouth-filling on the palate with lively acidity to balance the fruit, this nicely balanced offering may well evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015.
- Jay Miller (2008 vintage)