BEVX.com, December 2009
3 STARS. Bright, golden color. Scents of sweet apples, tropical fruits, wild flowers, and vanilla jump out of the glass with accents of honey, oak, and lemon drops. The palate fully agrees with the aromatic profile delivering a Chardonnay with dense richness, ripe fruit, and flanking notes of butterscotch. A healthy dose of acid is present to offer balance and freshness. Popularly styled. - Sam Dependahl
NEW TIME ’ CUISINE SLO, April 2009
Kathy’s Pick by Kathy Hardesty
“This refreshing white opens with a spicy bouquet that leads to aromas and flavors of ripe apple and Bartlett pear balanced with light citrus notes. It’s spicy but not all about oak, which I prefer. Friendly alone, it’s also quite good with prawns, crab Louis, halibut, or poultry.”
WINE SPECTATOR, July 2009
87 points. “Clean, refreshing and vibrant green apple and green pear flavors give this nice focus, complexity and depth."
DECANTER MAGAZINE, October 2007
SILVER: 2005 Liberty School Chardonnay
Guava, layered fruits. Tart and biting finish. Fresh.
TORONTO STAR, June 23, 2007
From the central coast, this dishes up aromas and flavours brimming with lavish butterscotch, golden apple and spice notes. The oak is evident but not overwhelming, with a nice toasty finish.
SANTE MAGAZINE, November 2006
Moderate aromas of baked apple and nuts with a medium-bodied palate that reflects the aromas with hints of vanilla and ginger spice.
SANTE MAGAZINE, November 2006
Moderate aromas of baked apple and nuts with a medium-bodied palate that reflects the aromas with hints of vanilla and ginger spice.
DECANTER MAGAZINE, November 2005
World Wine Awards
High toned, nutty. Spicy, pineapple. Nicely extracted. Full bodied. Firm, well made. Good acidity.
THE NEWS JOURNAL, August 31, 2005
Roger Morris
You really should try the 2003 Liberty School Central Coast chardonnay – a delicious wine with lemon-lime flavors and mango in the finish with a nice mouth feel and good acidity .
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, August 12, 2005
Kim Pierce, Tasting Notes
With a bit of Viognier blended in, round aromas of citrus and heady tropical fruit swim up to meet your nose. The same fruit, with spikes of grapefruit, honeydew and pineapple, invigorates your palate. Pair it with summer roasted chicken or cream-sauced shellfish.
SANTE MAGAZINE
Medium bodied and bright with ripe, crisp fruit flavors of apple and peach with hints of butterscotch and vanilla; moderately long, clean finish. Scallops, sea bass.
KOEPPEL ON WINE
The Liberty School Chardonnay is a super-attractive wine: jasmine, pear, grapefruit and pineapple burst from the glass, along with crushed limestone. The wine is incredibly dense, almost powdery, and its pineapple-grapefruit flavors wedded to baking spice and floral touches take luscious to a higher definition.
ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS, October 24, 2005
The Chardonnays from Monterey/Santa Maria Highlands are some of my favorites. This vintage (of Liberty School) is juicier than last year's thanks to a touch of viognier! Once poured, you'll find aromas of tangerine, pear and white fig. The mouth has an excellent citrus blast. It's juicy and tangy, has good weight and length, and is not overtly oaked. It's a beautiful match for crab cakes and salmon.
WINE SPECTATOR , September 2003
85 pts. "Round and soft, with roasted nut, banana, lemon and pear flavors underscored by pronounced vanilla character."
