The 2022 Chardonnay Cuvée Anne comes from several vineyards (Justice, Koosah, Sojeau and Witness Tree) located on both volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. It was fermented and aged in 45% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months, plus an additional four months in stainless steel. The nose presents deep, savory scents of matchstick, roasted almonds, honey, pastry and golden apples. The light-bodied palate offers concentrated flavors that are more open and expansive than the nose at this stage. It has a seamless spine of acidity that drives its flavors into a long finish and calls you back for another sip. Give it 2–3 years in bottle or a few hours in a decanter—it opens dramatically with air. 750 cases were made.
94+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
The Cuvée Anne may serve as an introduction to the intensity of the Walter Scott single-vineyard Chardonnays. This barrel selection brings together fruit from the Justice, Koosah, Sojeau, and Witness Tree Vineyards. A fruity depth flashes across the aromatics with honeyed ginger, apricot flesh, dried white flowers, and a nutty, savoury note. The palate is rich and juicy, with a smoky lemon peel element brightening riper stone fruits and a poached peach richness.
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (May 2024)
Year after year, this continues to be one of the best entry wines to a range, and this vintage does not disappoint. Taking a bright yellow/green-tinged hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Cuvee is exceptional on the nose, with a calling card of flinty lift, bright green apples, salted lime candies, and fresh white flowers. Medium-bodied, with a fantastic texture, it’s so damn good, with balanced, ripe acidity and a pristine feel throughout. Crystalline and fresh, it will drink well over the coming 6-8 years. 850 cases were produced.
93 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The 2022 Chardonnay Cuvée Anne slowly evolves in the glass, slightly reductive, with a whiff of crushed rocks giving way to rosemary and freshly sliced apricot. This washes across the palate with a flinty sensation as mineral-inflected fruits cascade throughout. The 2022 leaves a lingering concentration, punching well above its class. It finishes long, savory, and nearly salty with a citrus tinge.
92+ points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Aug 2024)
Cuvée Anne's aromas of popcorn kernels warming in oil, tangerines, toasted filberts, talc and wildflower honey are enough all by themselves to make the mouth water. The smooth, almost creamy texture of this wine allows flavors like honeycomb, lemon basil and green tea to feel as if they are gliding along. Try this wine with goat cheese and slices of yellow dragon fruit.
92 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2024)