2009 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay

92 Points. Connoiseurs' Guide, Aug 2011. The annual task of tasting through the new Talley Chardonnays and choosing a favorite is an especially happy task, and the deep, exceptionally well-crafted Rincon grabs the sweepstakes in this outing. It is rich, well-fruited, a bit tight and slightly complex all at once, and, if its solid structure marks it as an ageworthy wine that can be comfortably cellared away, it will make memorable drinking even now.

91 Points. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue #196. The 2009 Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard is a gorgeous wine graced with layers of expressive tropical fruit, sweet spices and vanilla. All of the elements flow with notable harmony, building nicely to the polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.

92 Points.. Wine Enthusiast Online. 10/1/2011. With 30% new oak, the wood stands out, giving the wine vanilla and buttered toast notes. Crisp acidity kicks in right away, giving sour candy flavors of pineap-ples and lemons, while the underlying Arroyo Grande terroir gives this Chard a minerally tug. Dry and elegant, it’s a wine to drink now, with decanting. — S.H.

93 Points. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Green-tinged gold.  An explosively perfumed nose delivers an array of citrus and orchard fruits and flowers, along with notes of ginger and nutmeg.  Juicy, penetrating and strikingly pure, with excellent focus to its Meyer lemon, pear and honeysuckle flavors.  The floral note clings on the finish, which is sappy, chewy and very long.