2018 Amici El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay

Jeb Dunnuck
“full-bodied richness”
2018 Amici El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay
Jeb Dunnuck
“full-bodied richness”
Vineyard Notes
Located on the rolling hillsides on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley, El Diablo Vineyard has gained a much-deserved reputation as a world-class Chardonnay site. Planted to a variety of soils, clones and exposures, the wines that come from El Diablo are complex, elegant and refined.
Winemaking Notes
A savory wine resulting from the small-berried Wente clone Chardonnay at this iconic Russian River site, the 2018 El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay marries richness and acidity to mouthwatering effect. Caramel and crème brûlee notes lead into a honey-kissed palate, with lemon-oil notes, white peach and macadamia nut carrying through its lengthy finish.
- Vintage
- 2018
- Varietal
- Chardonnay
- Vineyard
- El Diablo Vineyard
- Appellation
- Russian River Valley
- Blend
- 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Fermentation & Aging
- 100% Barrel fermentation; Full malolactic; Aged 11 months in 45% new French oak
Reviews
Wine Advocate
“The El Diablo vineyard, at 900 feet of elevation, is planted to Hyde and Wente clone and is farmed by the Ulises Valdez family. The 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard was 100% barrel fermented and went through full malolactic. It aged 11 months in 40% new Francois Freres barrels. It slowly unfurls to reveal gorgeous honey-drizzled white peaches, lemon meringue pie, mandarin peel and coriander seed scents with wafts of brioche and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a sultry oiliness to the texture with layers of citrus and stone fruits and a long, hedonic finish.”
James Suckling
“This is really tight and structured with layers of candied lemons, cooked apples and light vanilla cream. It’s full-bodied, reserved and focused. Nice tannin tension to it as well. Bright acidity gives it energy. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck
“From a site in the Russian Rover, the 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard is another impeccably made Chardonnay from this team that readers should seek out. Displaying a medium gold color as well as classic notes of buttered peach, caramelized citrus, toasted bread, and lemon oil, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, sweetly fruited, sexy mouthfeel, and a great finish. This is one of those Chardonnays that marries richness and freshness beautifully. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-6 years.”
Vinous Media
“The 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Lemon confit, orange peel, mint, almond and tropical notes all grace this pretty, mid-weight Chardonnay with good depth that emerges with a bit of time in the glass. This is very nicely done.”