2018 UnOaked Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
The 2018 UnOaked Chardonnay is a pure expression of cool, foggy Green Valley. The wine is remarkably rich and elegant. With their bright acidity, UnOaked Chardonnays are worth holding onto as they age so beautifully, if you can resist drinking them up.
By nose, a complex blend of stone fruit, green pear and pineapple. By mouth, balanced acidity, grapefruit, Gravenstein apple and minerality. Pairs beautifully with crab cakes, salmon tartar, bacon wrapped scallops, prosciutto, whole wheat pasta and caper pesto. This is a great vegetable wine…especially heirloom tomatoes.
Artisanal Winemaking: 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, while other times a cold soak might be necessary. All of the UnOaked Chardonnay had an overnight skin contact soaking before pressing to control acidity with a cold stainless steel fermentation (between 60f and 63f) to retain esters, i.e., brightness, minerality and exotic fruit elements.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Blend: 71% Hyde Old Wente Clone, 29% Rued Clone Chardonnay
Appellation: Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14%
Acidity: 5.7 g/L
Residual Sugar: <2.0 g/L
pH: 3.30
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Barrels: None
Harvest Dates: September 18 –19, 2018
Date Bottled: May and June, 2019
Total Production: 2520 Cases
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2018 UnOaked Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Case:
12x 2018 UnOaked 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 Vineyards UnOaked Chardonnay
4 bottles for $54.99 $13.75/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@kawichris650
I’ve still got some 2006’s in the cellar.
They evolve, but a few years minimum is really nothing.
Ignore the CT drink by dates and read the tasting notes.
@kawichris650 I drank my penultimate 2013 Estate Chard recently, and it was still holding up well but I think it’s time to move to a more recent vintage. My last bottle is cooling in the fridge and will be consumed soon, just possibly with some Thanksgiving leftovers.
@kawichris650 We had some of the 2012 last year and it was still fresh and delicious. I wouldn’t age the unoaked more than 10 years, but it will go 10. The Estate Chardonnay can go a bit longer, but storage matters there: the 2013 Estates are drinking very well, but I’d drink them in the next couple of years for the most part. The 2014 Estate was especially well structured and can probably go another 5-6 years well stored.
@kawichris650@rjquillin The 2006 was a long-lived wine! I think I had my last bottle in Fall 2020. It was fully mature, but wonderful. I still have some 2006 Buena Vista Ramal Chardonnay aging nicely. Although not much of a red year, the Sonoma County Chardonnays were very fine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Iron Horse Vineyards UnOaked Chardonnay - $15 = 9.08%
@chipgreen Appreciate the relatively low “penalty” for small orders. My caseage factor is high right now but can’t pass this up and maybe can fit it into my small-boxage limit.
Peach, pear and a touch of anise rise to the fore of this buzzy, energetic white that’s unfettered by oak. Clean and crisp in style, it simultaneously offers enough body weight and lush texture to be balanced and lengthy. VB 10/1/20
What’s the difference between this and the 2 clones? I’m still in shock to discover that I’m liking chardonnay. …so I’m trying to discover more to like. I did get the 2 clones and liked it. And I love Iron Horse…so should I go for it? Some one make up my mind please
@mommadeb@rjquillin If you liked the 2 clones, I think you’d like this. In fact, I believe the reason a lot of people who don’t think they like Chardonnay don’t like the amount of oak in many of them. If they tried this one, they might find that they like it after all. And this price is so much better than my wine club price that it’s irresistible, even though we still have some of the '17 left from a year-and-a-half ago. RJ is totally correct about aging on this one.
Apologies for the delay, as I received a labrat bottle but things have been hectic and I have not had a chance to type up detailed notes.
Enjoyed the bottle with family at Thanksgiving dinner. My wife took her first sip right after a bite of buttered noodles and said that the wine was buttery despite no oak. She also detected some lemon notes and said that the wine was smooth and easy drinking.
I detected notes of pear and waxy lemon with a little Quince and spice (white pepper) on the finish. The wine paired very well with turkey and stuffing.
I think most Casematies are familiar with Iron Horse Chardonnay already. At least the Estate Chard if not the Unoaked but basically this is exactly what you would expect and for the case price of $12.50 per bottle you can’t go wrong!
NE OH, I no longer have free shipping but if anyone wants to order I am good for 3 or 4 bottles.
@chipgreen
for lack of a better descriptor, and from memory of earlier vintages, isn’t this one a bit more “crisp” than the Estate, Two Clones or Heart of the Vineyard bottlings?
@MarkDaSpark@mommadeb@Winedavid49 Does that mean you’re going to move your several thousand bottles?! Maybe you’ll find the bottles of Aglianico that @rjquillin has theoretically had for me for 8 years now
And that means you’d better make it to this gathering in a few weeks…
@MarkDaSpark@mommadeb@rjquillin@Winedavid49 It was clear…it was for the avoidance of doubt!
I don’t think you have that Aglianico - it was joke at Ron’s expense since that has been pending for nearly 8 years now. (That mystery Iron Horse, though, still no idea whether you or Ron have it!)
Had them inventory before moving it, and told them if they found that case (or others on my swap list) to leave them (keeping 1 locker for visits).
But I remember bringing that case to your house for you and Ron several years ago! But, will look when I go see what was left. Will be bringing swaps to next month’s gathering.
I bought one case and was thinking of buying another, but I just noticed that delivery date of 12/20-12/27…@winedavid49, any idea if these will ship to arrive earlier than that? We’ll be out of town 12/23-12/27.
Do I have to say it, or is already embedded in every Casemate’s DNA: this is an rpmAUTOBUY to the greatest extent of your wallet and storage capacity. This has been our go-to ‘better than everyday, but not super special occasion’ Chardonnay, and a wine that usually converts ‘Chardonnay Haters’ to Chardonnay (at least sometimes) drinkers for at least 10 years. No better QPR in California Chardonnay around!
a wine that usually converts ‘Chardonnay Haters’ to Chardonnay (at least sometimes) drinkers
Yes, this. And at this price the QPR is certainly off the charts. I’ve done it multiple times.
I think I kept a bottle of the 2010 around to see what it would do after more than ten years. Might be time to try it soon.
I love Iron Horse sparkling and I am a Chardonnay drinker, especially those with vanilla notes. I have a “2013 Estate Chardonnay Green Valley or Russian River Valley” that I purchased about 3-4 years ago as a 6-pack. I am not a fan of this wine which is why I still have it. I’d love to try today’s offering but I have concerns it may be too “tart/crisp” for me. Does anyone have any comparisons of the two they could offer? Thanks!
@lynnrae1
While it may be more crisp than the Estate Chard, I wouldn’t use the word crisp to describe it. It’s a pretty laid back wine. The nose is somewhat muted (I smelled pear, my wife and SIL could not detect anything) and the palate is likewise a bit understated.
Depending what you pair with it, there could be some tartness but on its own I would say only a hint. I forgot to mention notes of golden delicious apple in my review above. To me, yellow apple in the flavor profile nearly always indicates a softer, rounder, medium to full bodied white wine and this is no exception, despite the lack of oak aging.
What a great detailed response! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. I recall when I visited Iron Horse that I enjoyed a couple of their chardonnays, I wish I knew which ones. I was too busy concentrating on the sparkling! I’d love to see an offering of those — there would be no question of buying several cases!
Thanks again!
@rpstrong I totally missed that! I bought 2 cases…wonder if that means I’ll get 2 of the same gift? I’m guessing yes…I seem to remember that each offering has its own unique gift?
@radiolysis Done. Are you going to Klez’ on the 18th? Touch and go whether the wine will be here, top of thread says the delivery window opens on Dec 20, but I have been known to get shipments early.
@eastcoastmary I can’t remember if that was the exact name of the shipper, but I was mystified about a similar package recently. Turned out to be some slippers I’d ordered on Woot. (Because I always buy my slippers at the watch store?)
@GNOP Mine too.
But if you sign up on the UPS website for free they will send you notifications whenever a package enters the system so you’ll never be surprised by it.
@klezman I wasn’t surprised that I got a package. I just didn’t know what it was. I have several outstanding wine orders, none of which said that they had shipped. Pleasantly surprised, tho.
2018 UnOaked Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$384.00/Case at Iron Horse Winery for 12x 2018 UnOaked Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
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
Monday, Dec 20 - Wednesday, Dec 22
Iron Horse Vineyards UnOaked Chardonnay
4 bottles for $54.99 $13.75/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Iron Horse Vineyards UnOaked Chardonnay
Yum
@klezman Just reading your TNs for past vintages.
$12.50/btl?
Less than half the average CT price.
Yes please!
@rjquillin I’d take 4 bottles. Much as I like these we need to branch out on Chardonnay
@klezman @rjquillin I’d like to jump in on this too.
@CorTot @klezman I should just had this shipped to Central SoCal, rather than Southern SoCal.
@CorTot @klezman libations on the way
Anyone know just how long these can age? (If one can manage to resist consuming them that is.)
@kawichris650
I’ve still got some 2006’s in the cellar.
They evolve, but a few years minimum is really nothing.
Ignore the CT drink by dates and read the tasting notes.
@kawichris650 I drank my penultimate 2013 Estate Chard recently, and it was still holding up well but I think it’s time to move to a more recent vintage. My last bottle is cooling in the fridge and will be consumed soon, just possibly with some Thanksgiving leftovers.
@kawichris650 We had some of the 2012 last year and it was still fresh and delicious. I wouldn’t age the unoaked more than 10 years, but it will go 10. The Estate Chardonnay can go a bit longer, but storage matters there: the 2013 Estates are drinking very well, but I’d drink them in the next couple of years for the most part. The 2014 Estate was especially well structured and can probably go another 5-6 years well stored.
@kawichris650 @rjquillin The 2006 was a long-lived wine! I think I had my last bottle in Fall 2020. It was fully mature, but wonderful. I still have some 2006 Buena Vista Ramal Chardonnay aging nicely. Although not much of a red year, the Sonoma County Chardonnays were very fine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Iron Horse Vineyards UnOaked Chardonnay - $15 = 9.08%
@chipgreen Appreciate the relatively low “penalty” for small orders. My caseage factor is high right now but can’t pass this up and maybe can fit it into my small-boxage limit.
This is a sick deal. Please tell your chard loving friends.
While I enjoy all Iron Horse….where are the sparklers? Seems like Chard…Chard…Chard anymore
@ern1 yea. It’s opportunistic. I don’t think I’ll touch IH sparkling for a while. Just sayin’
@Winedavid49 insert sad face
That WE review:
Peach, pear and a touch of anise rise to the fore of this buzzy, energetic white that’s unfettered by oak. Clean and crisp in style, it simultaneously offers enough body weight and lush texture to be balanced and lengthy. VB 10/1/20
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/iron-horse-2018-unoaked-chardonnay-green-valley/
fwiw
Anyone for an Atlanta-ish split? I’d take 4-6.
@springbank @winstoncharles @veevandyke
@pupator I’d be in. Never tried this one.
@Springbank Great - you want to order and we’ll sync up when it arrives?
@pupator Done.
What’s the difference between this and the 2 clones? I’m still in shock to discover that I’m liking chardonnay.
…so I’m trying to discover more to like. I did get the 2 clones and liked it. And I love Iron Horse…so should I go for it? Some one make up my mind please 
@mommadeb No oak or malo here.
@mommadeb
You don’t want to miss out. This is a fantastic Chardonnay. Probably my most favorite Chard in fact. And you can’t beat this price.
@rjquillin I haven’t figured out if I like oak or not. Guess I have to get this offer to help me decide
@mommadeb
/giphy arrogant-diligent-twist
Decided to go for it. Would hate to miss out.
@mommadeb @rjquillin If you liked the 2 clones, I think you’d like this. In fact, I believe the reason a lot of people who don’t think they like Chardonnay don’t like the amount of oak in many of them. If they tried this one, they might find that they like it after all. And this price is so much better than my wine club price that it’s irresistible, even though we still have some of the '17 left from a year-and-a-half ago. RJ is totally correct about aging on this one.
@ddeuddeg @rjquillin thanks! I have no room for this…but when has that ever stopped me
!? Cheers
Seems like a great price for this. Less than the price of a lot of the grocery store chards I’ve seen lately.
/giphy roasted-necrotic-ocean
Love this wine, any chance we can pick up at the winery? I won’t be around for those shipping dates and live ten minutes away from the winery.
AUTOBUY
Two cases ordered. What more can you want for an early Christmas present
In for a case! We soooo LOVE this chard! Thank you Joy Sterling and WD!!!
@bahwm yes! Thank you Joy and WD!!!
Easy in, thanks Casemates!
/giphy perfumed-glowing-low
We loved the Two Clones (our first IH!). That led us to a case of the Heart of the Vineyard, which we also loved. Can’t wait for this one!!
/giphy derelict-gnarly-rule
Apologies for the delay, as I received a labrat bottle but things have been hectic and I have not had a chance to type up detailed notes.
Enjoyed the bottle with family at Thanksgiving dinner. My wife took her first sip right after a bite of buttered noodles and said that the wine was buttery despite no oak. She also detected some lemon notes and said that the wine was smooth and easy drinking.
I detected notes of pear and waxy lemon with a little Quince and spice (white pepper) on the finish. The wine paired very well with turkey and stuffing.
I think most Casematies are familiar with Iron Horse Chardonnay already. At least the Estate Chard if not the Unoaked but basically this is exactly what you would expect and for the case price of $12.50 per bottle you can’t go wrong!
NE OH, I no longer have free shipping but if anyone wants to order I am good for 3 or 4 bottles.
@chipgreen @pjmartin @marikar @boatman72 @lornadoonage This is hard to pass up. Anyone else want in?
@chipgreen
for lack of a better descriptor, and from memory of earlier vintages, isn’t this one a bit more “crisp” than the Estate, Two Clones or Heart of the Vineyard bottlings?
@rjquillin
Yes, a little more crisp flavor profile but not acidic.
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @mrn1 I sure don’t need any, but would take a pair if that helps to fill the case
@chipgreen @marikar @pjmartin I’ll grab a case for us to split.
@marikar @mrn1 @pjmartin
Great, thanks!
This is an easy yes! So glad we got back in town in time to see this excellent buy!!!
/giphy finicky-elicit-squid
Case for us and case for my parents…this is always an instabuy…
/giphy oppressive-frightened-thrill
/giphy learned-picturesque-curry
@HitAnyKey42 Great giphy – wow, haven’t seen those VHS pause lines in a long time.
In for four. My first back to back CM purchase.
/giphy winding-undervalued-radish
/giphy appreciative-fittest-centipede
Autobuy! And no, there will be no sharing of the 1st case! (Mostly because it’s on it’s way to the new Texas Wine Locker!)
Suppose I need to create another “Buy All the …” gif for IH.
/giphy influential-floral-hand
@MarkDaSpark new Texas locker? Are you leaving us SoCal folk behind?
@klezman @MarkDaSpark I was wondering the same thing… are you moving ?
@klezman @MarkDaSpark @mommadeb
I got an inkling of this at lunch recently in Sonoma.
But it remains conjecture.
@klezman @mommadeb @Winedavid49
Son and family, along with Niece and family are in Texas.
So eventually. Early next year.
@klezman @mommadeb @Winedavid49
Conjecture? 13 pallets of “Conjecture” later …
@MarkDaSpark @mommadeb @Winedavid49 Does that mean you’re going to move your several thousand bottles?! Maybe you’ll find the bottles of Aglianico that @rjquillin has theoretically had for me for 8 years now
And that means you’d better make it to this gathering in a few weeks…
@klezman @mommadeb @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Moving? I thought the 13 pallets was clear.
And the Aglianico? 1st I’ve heard of it. But should have everything else to swap next month.
@MarkDaSpark @mommadeb @rjquillin @Winedavid49 It was clear…it was for the avoidance of doubt!
I don’t think you have that Aglianico - it was joke at Ron’s expense since that has been pending for nearly 8 years now. (That mystery Iron Horse, though, still no idea whether you or Ron have it!)
@klezman @mommadeb @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Had them inventory before moving it, and told them if they found that case (or others on my swap list) to leave them (keeping 1 locker for visits).
But I remember bringing that case to your house for you and Ron several years ago! But, will look when I go see what was left. Will be bringing swaps to next month’s gathering.
/giphy yippy-toasty-science
I bought one case and was thinking of buying another, but I just noticed that delivery date of 12/20-12/27…@winedavid49, any idea if these will ship to arrive earlier than that? We’ll be out of town 12/23-12/27.
@TimW it will arrive well sooner.
@Winedavid49 thanks! In for 2 cases then.
Last time I only ordered a partial case of the 2017…I’m not making that mistake again! In for 2 cases this time.
/giphy persistent-glamorized-wheat
/giphy four-minute-earthworm
Do I have to say it, or is already embedded in every Casemate’s DNA: this is an rpmAUTOBUY to the greatest extent of your wallet and storage capacity. This has been our go-to ‘better than everyday, but not super special occasion’ Chardonnay, and a wine that usually converts ‘Chardonnay Haters’ to Chardonnay (at least sometimes) drinkers for at least 10 years. No better QPR in California Chardonnay around!
@rpm
Yes, this. And at this price the QPR is certainly off the charts. I’ve done it multiple times.
I think I kept a bottle of the 2010 around to see what it would do after more than ten years. Might be time to try it soon.
@klezman @rpm agreed! And $12.50/bottle is insane for this one!
I love Iron Horse sparkling and I am a Chardonnay drinker, especially those with vanilla notes. I have a “2013 Estate Chardonnay Green Valley or Russian River Valley” that I purchased about 3-4 years ago as a 6-pack. I am not a fan of this wine which is why I still have it. I’d love to try today’s offering but I have concerns it may be too “tart/crisp” for me. Does anyone have any comparisons of the two they could offer? Thanks!
@lynnrae1
While it may be more crisp than the Estate Chard, I wouldn’t use the word crisp to describe it. It’s a pretty laid back wine. The nose is somewhat muted (I smelled pear, my wife and SIL could not detect anything) and the palate is likewise a bit understated.
Depending what you pair with it, there could be some tartness but on its own I would say only a hint. I forgot to mention notes of golden delicious apple in my review above. To me, yellow apple in the flavor profile nearly always indicates a softer, rounder, medium to full bodied white wine and this is no exception, despite the lack of oak aging.
What a great detailed response! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. I recall when I visited Iron Horse that I enjoyed a couple of their chardonnays, I wish I knew which ones. I was too busy concentrating on the sparkling! I’d love to see an offering of those — there would be no question of buying several cases!
Thanks again!
I just noticed that today’s offering includes a holiday gift . . and so it begins.
In for a case.
/giphy astute-nauseating-bigfoot
@rpstrong I totally missed that! I bought 2 cases…wonder if that means I’ll get 2 of the same gift? I’m guessing yes…I seem to remember that each offering has its own unique gift?
Why am I like this? Where will I put it? How…how will I pay for it? I have questions.
@Ammerie that’s a future you problem!
/giphy silly-uplifting-robot
We are well stocked on Chardonnay… I’d hate for that to change, in for a case!
/giphy glittery-brash-key
I bought a case, if anyone in SoCal wants to share. . .
@davirom wouldn’t mind a pair. I was on the fence with this but a pair would be great!
@radiolysis Done. Are you going to Klez’ on the 18th? Touch and go whether the wine will be here, top of thread says the delivery window opens on Dec 20, but I have been known to get shipments early.
@davirom yep i’ll be there! and i’ll have your three bottles in tow.
@radiolysis The wine has arrived! BTW, if there are any other Socal folks remorseful at missing this offer, I can make a few more bottles available.
Did anyone else get a notice from UPS about a delivery from Time for Watches? is this the gift?
@eastcoastmary ???
@eastcoastmary I can’t remember if that was the exact name of the shipper, but I was mystified about a similar package recently. Turned out to be some slippers I’d ordered on Woot. (Because I always buy my slippers at the watch store?)
@InFrom Yes, same here! I ordered a pair of shoes from WOOT and the UPS notification confused me. Glad I’m not the only one.
My error. Sorry for any confusion.
Mine was unexpectedly delivered today. My order page still says Processing.
@GNOP Mine too.
But if you sign up on the UPS website for free they will send you notifications whenever a package enters the system so you’ll never be surprised by it.
@klezman I wasn’t surprised that I got a package. I just didn’t know what it was. I have several outstanding wine orders, none of which said that they had shipped. Pleasantly surprised, tho.
My box had a small gift, not sure if I should spoil it.
@fibrs86 If it’s something other than an ah-so, spill those beans.
@fibrs86 @InFrom The one here had a dish towel/tea towel.
@InFrom @klezman Yep, a tea towel. I prefer tea towel style for kitchen towels to the regular fluffy ones, so this is much appreciated.