Coming from the “Sand Hill” part of the Durell vineyard, looking down on the Sonoma Valley, the soil here is Goulding clay loam, mixed with diatomaceous earth. TOR favors the Wente clone plantings in this vineyard, which is a selection of plant material that sets a small crop with small berries. The result is a high skin-to-flesh ratio and intense flavors. The single new barrel cooper used is Saury. A barrel sample, the 2018 Tor Chardonnay Durell Vineyard delivers provocative lemonade, lime leaves, pink grapefruit and white peach notes with suggestions of pie crust, marzipan and oyster shells. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with citrus and stone fruit layers, backed up with a racy line, finishing long with an enticing saline suggestion.
93-95+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2019)
This site always yields wines with terrific aromatics, and the 2018 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard doesn’t disappoint, showing perfume notes of white peach, pineapple, sappy herbs, and spring flowers. These carry to a medium-bodied Chardonnay that has a light, ethereal style, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This cuvée is all from the Wente clone and was fermented and aged in barrel.
92-94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2020)
The 2018 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is another compelling selection in this range. The Durell is the most savory, phenolic Chardonnay of the group. Dried pear, dried flowers, mint and sage are some of the many notes that inform this highly nuanced, expressive Chardonnay. The Durell has a ton to offer, even if it is less immediate and forthcoming than the other wines in the lineup.
92-94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2020)