2014 Au Contraire Mighty Mouse Reserve Chardonnay Russian River Valley 750 ml

A Mighty Good Summer Quaffer

When it comes to California Chardonnay, those with the best sites, the best clones and the right touch, know how to turn out beautifully ripe grapes that deliver vibrant acidity in the finished wine. Such is the case with the 2014 Au Contraire—sourced from a small 8-acre parcel in the heart of Russian River, planted to both Old Wente and Dijon 76 clones. Winemaker Tom Hinde loves these two Chardonnay clones for what they bring to the glass: the Old Wente providing brilliant yellow apple, pear, and honeysuckle aromatics, and the Dijon providing a supple, silky texture and rich mouthfeel. From Russian River Valley, the cool-climate capital of New World Chardonnay, the 2014 Mighty Mouse Reserve is and poised to usher in the summer, especially at 22% off. Pair this with grilled lobster, corn on the cob and a fresh garden salad.

Don’t be fooled by the whimsical name, the 2014 Au Contraire is serious Chardonnay from Tom Hinde (Lokoya, Verite). Wine Spectator hailed the wine’s “excellent density, focus, depth and persistence,” while Wine Enthusiast added, “Integrated oak meets lifted acidity, providing a refreshing, food-friendly experience.”

In the cellar, Hinde opted for full-barrel fermentation and then 16 months in 50 percent new French oak to add well-integrated vanilla and toast to an already complex flavor profile. The result is a gorgeous Chardonnay, that, as Wine Enthusiast wrote, “lives up to its reserve-tier billing.”

Our 100-case allocation is the first we’ve managed to secure from this Healdsburg estate. We’re thrilled to offer Wine Access clients a pedigreed form of refreshment as demand—and spring temperatures—continue to rise.

- Wine Access Wine Team