Amapola Creek 2018 Jos. Belli Chardonnay

Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the Amapola Creek 2018 Jos. Belli Chardonnay is a testament to the artistry of Joseph Belli, a vintner whose close friendship and enduring partnership with Richard have borne fruit in the form of exceptional wine. The Belli vineyard, strategically perched on the western edge of the valley floor, unveils a landscape of steep, terraced hillsides that not only ensure optimal drainage for the vines but also endow the grapes with concentrated flavors. Basking in the morning sunlight and shielded from the afternoon blaze, the vines yield grapes of extraordinary character, thanks to the careful selection of two Chardonnay clones: the musqué Rued, bursting with tropical aromatics, and the Dijon, contributing a rich interplay of minerality and fruit.

The 2018 vintage unfolded with a cool start and a tempered mid-summer, leading to an ideal growing season. A brief September heat spike elevated sugar levels, ensuring optimum ripeness. The harvest, conducted by hand between September 6th and 12th, 2018, yielded exceptional fruit quality. This Chardonnay, a radiant pale straw with hints of emerald green, unfolds a sensory journey that begins with the classic Chardonnay bouquet of pear and honeysuckle, complemented by citrus zest and a subtle flinty undertone. Delve deeper, and the aromatic tapestry unfurls, revealing notes of jasmine, butterscotch, and oak.

Amply supple yet intricately dense, the mouthfeel of this Chardonnay is harmoniously balanced by a lively acidity. Fresh pear and citrus notes define the initial palate, gradually evolving into tropical nuances of papaya, delicately interwoven with hints of toasted oak and toffee. The journey culminates in a nuanced finish, marked by baked apples, spice, and a whisper of honeydew melon.

Crafted with precision, the 2018 Jos. Belli Chardonnay underwent fermentation in French oak barrels and matured for 11 months, completing its malolactic fermentation journey. Accessible now, this wine promises further evolution if stored diligently, with a potential to develop gracefully over the next decade. Embrace the timeless elegance of Amapola Creek, where every bottle encapsulates the essence of a flourishing partnership and the richness of Russian River Valley terroir.

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Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

The color of this wine is best described as pale straw with a slight tint of emerald green. The nose opens as a classic Chardonnay, with big aromas of pear and honeysuckle, accented with citrus zest and a tiny bit of flint. Stay with the glass a moment and you will note that the floral component opens up, delivering graceful notes of jasmine woven through with hints of butterscotch and oak.

The mouthfeel of this wine is supple and dense, balanced by a crisp, lively acidity. The palate opens with the fresh pear and citrus characters that define the Chardonnay grown at Belli vineyards. As you continue to taste, you will note that the fruit evolves an attractive tropical edge of papaya, blended with a tiny nuance of toasted oak and toffee. The palate leads to a delicate finish of baked apples, spice, and just a touch of honeydew melon.