Babcock Chard 07 Grand Cuvee

One thing that has not changed is that this Cuvee is quite complex. Shortly after its being bottled, it’s giving impressions of pineapple and crème brulee. There are some other fruits in there too which have not quite yet materialized as anything distinct. But if I had to guess, I’d say we will be getting a little mango and pear in a few months. From TOP CREAM’s contribution to the blend, I’d also expect to find some of that familiar Sta. Rita Hills lemon-lime. Largely attributable to OASIS, the wine is sweet and has a real luxurious texture. At the same time, it is by no means flabby. Its heft is reined in by brisk acidity and a touch of petillance (dissolved CO2). While last year’s wine was a more slender and showed more minerality, this year we are back to a cuvee with little more butter and fat.