This is a predominantly Balance & Finesse wine, but it shares structural nuances of Rich & Full as described in the tasting note below.
Tasting Notes
Full bodied, with attractive acidity, in layers of ripe pear, nectarine, and banana fruit, along with subtle touches of tarragon, honeysuckle and cinnamon, punctuated by buttered toast that adds to, rather than overwhelms the personality of the wine.
Body is the impression of a wines weight, density, or its ‘mouth-feel’. Some wines feel weighty, or full bodied, while others feel light bodied. Wine runs the gamut from light to full, with most falling somewhere in between.
ACIDITY
Low
Moderate
Balanced
Crisp
High
Acidity is a foundational component in wine. In fact, low acidity, or ‘flabby’ wine (as the term suggests) is a negative. You can sense acidity mainly on the sides of your tongue. Acidity generally ranges from balanced to high. Crisp acidity adds freshness, making your mouth water. Acidity is a necessary element and helps to balance other components.
SWEETNESS
Dry
Off Dry
Medium Dry
Medium Sweet
Very Sweet
Most wines are characterized as dry to off-dry, but there are some grape varietals, like Riesling, that run the gamut from dry to sweet. The tip of the tongue mainly detects sweetness, which is why it is often the primary characteristic detected. Sweetness is derived from residual sugar that did not ferment into alcohol.
ALCOHOL
13.9%
Alcohol is the by-product of fermentation. Differing grape varieties have differing potential alcohol levels, but regardless warmer areas result in riper grapes resulting in higher alcohol. Alcohol level is an objective number, but its affect on its palate impression is largely determined with how well integrated and balanced it is with other components.
Chardonnay may be the most versatile white wine grape, often seen as a blank canvas. It displays various flavors and aromas depending on where it is grown and more specifically, how it is made. It can range in Palate Character from Bright & Crisp to Rich & Full depending on the climate. It is also particularly malleable and highly affected by winemaking choices like as malolactic fermentation, lees stirring, barrel fermentation and ageing practices.
Talley is located in the hills of San Luis Obispo eight miles from the coast, enjoying the perfect combination of warm days and cool evenings to grow pinot noir and chardonnay.
At Talley, all grapes are hand-picked at low yields on this 159-acre estate, where gravity flow is used in the winery. Winemaker Eric Johnson embraces a classic, non-manipulative style that embraces the unique character of each vineyard.
The wines of Talley reflect the terroir, showing a balance of both silky approachability and intensity that varies depending on vineyard site—quality is the tie that binds them.
Pear
Toast
Tarragon
