Playing with the 2016 vintage we tasted a trial or lab blend of the most delicious three barrels of Rued Clone Chardonnay with the ten best barrels of Hyde Old Wente Clone Chardonnay and fell in love. It is a blend from five blocks on the estate, showcasing the “Heart of the Vineyard”, at the center of our best Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes & Food Pairings: By nose, pineapple, tropical scents. By mouth, rich, viscous, with balanced citrus and richness. Pair with butter dipped fresh crab.
All of our Chardonnay is handled one lot at a time. Only as the grapes arrive at the winery do we decide how to treat them. Sometimes it is straight to the press as whole clusters, for certain lots, we simply destem, while other times a cold soak might be necessary. All of the Rued Clone grapes had at least two hours of skin contact in the press and were fermented in small, water bent, French oak barrels. Frequent lees stirring or ’batonnage’, at least three times a week for over seven months contributes to the full and creamy mouth-feel.
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Blend: 77% Hyde Old Wente Chardonnay, 23% Rued Clone Chardonnay
Appellation: Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Harvest Date: August 23 - 26, 2016
Date Bottled: July 25, 2017
Barrels: 100% water bent French oak
Malolactic Fermentation: 77%
Alcohol: 13.2%
Acidity: .53 g/100ml
Residual Sugar: <0.2 g/100ml
pH: 3.37
Total Production: 300 Cases
2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Playing with the 2017 vintage we tasted a trial or lab blend of the ten most delicious barrels of Hyde Old Wente Clone Chardonnay and fell in love. It is a blend from four blocks on the estate, showcasing the “Heart of the Vineyard”, at the center of our best Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes & Food Pairings: By nose, pineapple, tropical scents. By mouth, rich, viscous, with balanced citrus and richness. Pair with butter dipped fresh crab.
All of our Chardonnay is handled one lot at a time. Only as the grapes arrive at the winery do we decide how to treat them. Sometimes it is straight to the press as whole clusters, for certain lots, we simply destem, while other times a cold soak might be necessary. For this wine, all of the grapes had at least two hours of skin contact in the press and were fermented in small, water bent, French oak barrels. Frequent lees stirring or ’batonnage’, at least three times a week for over seven months contributes to the full and creamy mouth-feel.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Blend: 100% Hyde Old Wente Chardonnay
Appellation: Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Harvest Date: August 30th and September 5, 2017
Date Bottled: August 16, 2018
Barrels: 100% water bent French oak, 10% New French Oak, average barrel age 3.2
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Alcohol: 13.4%
Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Residual Sugar: <2.0 g/L
pH: 3.30
Total Production: 250 Cases
What’s Included
4-bottles:
1x 2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
3x 2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
4x 2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
8x 2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Iron Horse is one of Sonoma County’s most prestigious, small, independent, estate, family owned wineries located in cool, foggy Green Valley. Iron Horse Sparkling Wines have been served at the White House for five consecutive presidential administrations, beginning with the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meeting in Geneva on November 20, 1985, which led to the end of the Cold War. Wine & Spirits Magazine has named Iron Horse Sparkling Winery of the Year nine times. From the beginning, Robert Parker has said, “These impressive Sparkling Wines…possess more texture and flavor than just about any sparkler I have tasted from California.”
Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
4 bottles for $99.99 $25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Crispity, crunchity, peanut buttery, nobody bett… wait, wrong review. Tropically, oaky, cantaloupey, nobody better lay a finger on my 2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard chardonnay!
The wine arrived Wednesday after spending a day riding around town a UPS truck. My first impressions? “That’s a lot of valley.” I put the bottle in the fridge for dinner Thursday night (buttered shrimp hoagies topped with slaw) and pulled it out about 30 minutes before dinner, but it was a bit too cold (I should really get the wine fridge fixed). Good things come to those who wait®!
The color is a dark straw. The first taste was a bit of cantaloupe, a bit fruity, and then nothing. I’d say the sweetness is perfectly balanced, not sweet, not dry. We let the bottle warm a bit (there were three of us tasting – none of which play the role of a wine reviewer on TV) and then light fruit comes through. There’s also a light bite (crisp would be a good word), great body, and the balance of sweetness to dryness remains perfect. Part of me was reminded of a Pinot Grigio, I think because the butterbomb of some chardonnays was completely absent here. One of the tasters is not a fan of the former, and really liked this wine, so maybe that’s all in my head!
After we finished the first bottle I instinctively went to go for a second (buying by the case does that). I think this would be a universally enjoyed wine. When we discussed what we thought of it over glass of Parducci’s rosé, the words “they balanced that perfectly” came up a lot as we discussed the flavor, body, and sweetness.
@sosptuba It’s funny you should say that. It was driving me crazy that the label looked so familiar, but I thought maybe it was just a bottle I saw for sale before. NOPE! I got a case of the 2017 unoaked earlier in 202! The unoaked is a lot lighter in color (pale straw), the scent is a bit more intense - at first anyway, it faded to nothing as my glass sat (maybe a bit of apple with bite), I feel like I get a loads more fruit from the unoaked (though I’m drinking it a bit warmer than the oaked - wine in the morning before I’ve even had breakfast, the things we do for Casemates!). I get peach and apple, definitely a bit drier than the 2016 I got to rat. I really like the unoaked, but I loved the 2016 oaked version of this. I am really curious now about the difference between the 2016 and 2017. Only one way to find out, though I’d definitely take a case of all 2016!
Was super excited to see a bottle of the 2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay show up on Wednesday. I’ve never had anything from Iron Horse I didn’t fully enjoy and this didn’t disappoint.
It poured a very pale straw color. On the nose was a little floral and maybe some stone fruit and pear. Taste was of citrus and I seemed to get some green apple mid palate. Good acidity and light oak. Paired well with seared scallops but I mainly drank it on it’s own.
Tasted it side by side with the Two Clones Chardonnay that was offered here a few months back, which I very much enjoy. The Heart of the Vineyard seemed a little more delicate and soft if that makes any sense and the Two Clones had more oak on the finish. Both are great wines but I really think I liked the Heart of the Vineyard a bit more. Easy buying decision!
Thanks to all the folks at Iron Horse for making such great wines and offering them here. As always, thanks to everyone at WCC for sending the bottle my way and all your hard work.
The Iron Horse Two Clones Chardonnay was fantastic last time around - in for a case of this one (thanks to the labrats for confirming it’s also not buttery)!!
Yeah, had to pass on last couple Iron Horse offerings but damnit not this time . Taking a case. I’m thinking Thanksgiving dinner already! Hoping against hope to make it back out there next summer for a visit!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016-17 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay - $100 = 33.32%
Earlier this week I posted up on the community asking if we were due up for some still Chards from Iron Horse, and “bam”, here it is. Coincidence @winedavid49??
Easy case buy- we’re down to 3 of the last unoaked case!
Hey what’s an offer without at least one pro review…we know they are always right. So for you lazy folks who haven’t googled anything yet:
Wine Enthusiast says:
2017: 91 Points. Powerful and fleshy on the palate, this is a blend of five blocks from the estate. Delicious flavors of mango, fig and toasted oak deliver plenty of intensity, with crisp acidity lending balance. VB 10/1/20
I just had the 2017 last night, wow. I always feel the ultimate post-offer compliment is: I wish I would have bought two cases.
Whites are a fraction of what I drink, and chardonnay is a smaller fraction, but with my love of Iron Horse I took the leap.
Not official labrat focus of a review, but my better half and I had this with grilled shrimp and garlic butter, haricot verts (frozen, we aren’t that fancy, but they work), and roasted potatoes. It worked lovely. Refreshed the palate after each sip, and definitely paired with the shrimp.
She described it as a gentle wave that builds up slowly, crests with a crescendo, but then you can watch it slowly go back to sea. Unlike say, a cliff dive or rollercoaster drop. It was all about the mid-palate and one of the most lengthy finishes of a still white I can remember.
Green apple, pear, mango were what we picked up with that viscous full-mouth coating feel. We do not like sweet wines unless they are dessert wines, and we detected only the tiniest bit but it played well with the acidity. Overall the mouth feel and everlasting gentle finish were the best parts.
This is a lovely wine, and look forward to my remaining bottles. Thanks for a great offer Joy and WD.
2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Specs
2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $666/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, Sep 7 - Friday, Sep 10
Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
4 bottles for $99.99 $25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Would like to hear from the rats, but interested in a PDX split.
@jfuruno I am in. Would take 4 or 6 easy.
@douglasp60 Lets do an even split and I can buy. Let me know if that works.
Easiest decision I’ll make all day.
/giphy dazzling-cultured-cobra
2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Crispity, crunchity, peanut buttery, nobody bett… wait, wrong review. Tropically, oaky, cantaloupey, nobody better lay a finger on my 2016 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard chardonnay!
The wine arrived Wednesday after spending a day riding around town a UPS truck. My first impressions? “That’s a lot of valley.” I put the bottle in the fridge for dinner Thursday night (buttered shrimp hoagies topped with slaw) and pulled it out about 30 minutes before dinner, but it was a bit too cold (I should really get the wine fridge fixed). Good things come to those who wait®!
The color is a dark straw. The first taste was a bit of cantaloupe, a bit fruity, and then nothing. I’d say the sweetness is perfectly balanced, not sweet, not dry. We let the bottle warm a bit (there were three of us tasting – none of which play the role of a wine reviewer on TV) and then light fruit comes through. There’s also a light bite (crisp would be a good word), great body, and the balance of sweetness to dryness remains perfect. Part of me was reminded of a Pinot Grigio, I think because the butterbomb of some chardonnays was completely absent here. One of the tasters is not a fan of the former, and really liked this wine, so maybe that’s all in my head!
After we finished the first bottle I instinctively went to go for a second (buying by the case does that). I think this would be a universally enjoyed wine. When we discussed what we thought of it over glass of Parducci’s rosé, the words “they balanced that perfectly” came up a lot as we discussed the flavor, body, and sweetness.
Did any of the rats get in on the earlier chard offering (https://casemates.com/forum/topics/iron-horse-vineyards-chardonnay) this year? Any comparison between the 2 or maybe Joy will stop by?
@sosptuba It’s funny you should say that. It was driving me crazy that the label looked so familiar, but I thought maybe it was just a bottle I saw for sale before. NOPE! I got a case of the 2017 unoaked earlier in 202! The unoaked is a lot lighter in color (pale straw), the scent is a bit more intense - at first anyway, it faded to nothing as my glass sat (maybe a bit of apple with bite), I feel like I get a loads more fruit from the unoaked (though I’m drinking it a bit warmer than the oaked - wine in the morning before I’ve even had breakfast, the things we do for Casemates!). I get peach and apple, definitely a bit drier than the 2016 I got to rat. I really like the unoaked, but I loved the 2016 oaked version of this. I am really curious now about the difference between the 2016 and 2017. Only one way to find out, though I’d definitely take a case of all 2016!
/giphy stylish-friendly-road
2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay
Was super excited to see a bottle of the 2017 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay show up on Wednesday. I’ve never had anything from Iron Horse I didn’t fully enjoy and this didn’t disappoint.
It poured a very pale straw color. On the nose was a little floral and maybe some stone fruit and pear. Taste was of citrus and I seemed to get some green apple mid palate. Good acidity and light oak. Paired well with seared scallops but I mainly drank it on it’s own.
Tasted it side by side with the Two Clones Chardonnay that was offered here a few months back, which I very much enjoy. The Heart of the Vineyard seemed a little more delicate and soft if that makes any sense and the Two Clones had more oak on the finish. Both are great wines but I really think I liked the Heart of the Vineyard a bit more. Easy buying decision!
Thanks to all the folks at Iron Horse for making such great wines and offering them here. As always, thanks to everyone at WCC for sending the bottle my way and all your hard work.
The Iron Horse Two Clones Chardonnay was fantastic last time around - in for a case of this one (thanks to the labrats for confirming it’s also not buttery)!!
/giphy universal-grumpy-baboon
Another great Iron Horse offer! Great job WD!
Yeah, had to pass on last couple Iron Horse offerings but damnit not this time
. Taking a case. I’m thinking Thanksgiving dinner already! Hoping against hope to make it back out there next summer for a visit!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016-17 Iron Horse Heart of the Vineyard Chardonnay - $100 = 33.32%
/giphy misanthropic-profuse-group
Is anyone up for a split in Philly and/or its surrounds?
@murftastic I’d take 4 if that helps the cause. Princeton, NJ area.
@hscottk that’ll work—I have a sister in law up there.
Earlier this week I posted up on the community asking if we were due up for some still Chards from Iron Horse, and “bam”, here it is. Coincidence @winedavid49??
Easy case buy- we’re down to 3 of the last unoaked case!
/giphy terrifying-forgetful-cork
Really enjoyed the Two Clones from earlier this year. In for a case.
/giphy granular-slender-honeydew
Hey what’s an offer without at least one pro review…we know they are always right. So for you lazy folks who haven’t googled anything yet:
Wine Enthusiast says:
2017: 91 Points. Powerful and fleshy on the palate, this is a blend of five blocks from the estate. Delicious flavors of mango, fig and toasted oak deliver plenty of intensity, with crisp acidity lending balance. VB 10/1/20
fwiw!
@kaolis but, but; the '16?
@rjquillin I think you are going to have to ask Trump and Prince Charles about the '16…
https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/president-trump-prince-charles-dinner-417771/
@kaolis @rjquillin Wow, impressive.
And for entertainment,
@kaolis @rjquillin damn. That looks like an amazing dinner!
@klezman @rjquillin Ya think? Eh, I bet many here could pull that off no problem…
@kaolis @klezman @rjquillin too bad the steak was served well done
@CruelMelody @kaolis @rjquillin and with ketchup
@CruelMelody @kaolis @klezman @rjquillin and ketchup is a vegetable!
If anyone in SE Michigan is buying and wants to offload 2 or 3, I will take them.
I’m probably going to grab a case. Any of the usual suspects want a few? @chipgreen @boatman72 @lornadoonage@pjmartin @marikar
@mrn1
Yes, please
@chipgreen @marikar Done! Never met an Iron Horse I didn’t like!!!
Is anyone in the NYC area and up for splitting a case?
Did someone say oak? My wife is in.
/giphy mature-weedy-treatment
@salcorn um, that’s, um, disturbing.
but he is kind-of cute.
@pmarin @salcorn
Rather reminds me of this, but the YouTube video seems to have been taken down.
/giphy movable-jumpy-centipede
Can’t seem to not buy a case of Iron Horse Chards when they show up on here. Did take a day of pondering though…
@por944sche That giphy reminds me… new Dune movie remake comes out in two months.
/giphy yawny-klutzy-rum
Been waiting awhile for this, the last couple of times they were sold out by the time I checked. Not this time!
Of course this is an rpmAUTOBUY…. You had to ask?
voice in my head: “well, are you going to buy it?”
me: “In a while, Crocodile.”
/giphy glamorous-small-crocodile
voice in my head: “so, I take it that was a Yes.”
/giphy abashed-wasteful-bridge
/giphy bare-kissable-bedbug
@jfuruno @douglasp60
Glad is made it in for a case!
/giphy melodic-sopping-garden
I just had the 2017 last night, wow. I always feel the ultimate post-offer compliment is: I wish I would have bought two cases.
Whites are a fraction of what I drink, and chardonnay is a smaller fraction, but with my love of Iron Horse I took the leap.
Not official labrat focus of a review, but my better half and I had this with grilled shrimp and garlic butter, haricot verts (frozen, we aren’t that fancy, but they work), and roasted potatoes. It worked lovely. Refreshed the palate after each sip, and definitely paired with the shrimp.
She described it as a gentle wave that builds up slowly, crests with a crescendo, but then you can watch it slowly go back to sea. Unlike say, a cliff dive or rollercoaster drop. It was all about the mid-palate and one of the most lengthy finishes of a still white I can remember.
Green apple, pear, mango were what we picked up with that viscous full-mouth coating feel. We do not like sweet wines unless they are dessert wines, and we detected only the tiniest bit but it played well with the acidity. Overall the mouth feel and everlasting gentle finish were the best parts.
This is a lovely wine, and look forward to my remaining bottles. Thanks for a great offer Joy and WD.
@KNmeh7 Really appreciate the post offer feedback, positive or negative.
@hscottk @KNmeh7 here here!
@hscottk @KNmeh7 @Winedavid49 I was out of town when this was delivered, so it’s sitting at our daughter’s and I can’t wait to get there and try it!