FEL's 2016 Savory Estate Vineyard Wines

91
FEL 2016 Chardonnay Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley 13.9%
This is boldly flavored Chardonnay that wears its cloak of considerable fruit concentration and classy French oak with dignity. It was interesting to experience the wine change temperatures. It had some tugging, textural grip when served right out of the refrigerator that eased up as the wine warmed. As the wine’s firmness subsided, I could focus more readily on its broad body complemented by finely balanced alcohol, clocking in just under 13.9% abv. All along, a discreet acidity provided the wine just enough lift. Flavors of toasted walnuts and hazelnuts accompanied by roasted apples and ripe pineapple exploded on the palate. This is a wine of delightfully extravagant flavor with well-placed structure, that shows well now but has potential to evolve well in the mid-term.

When I re-read my note on the 2015, I found it interesting to see that many characters of the 2016 rang true. There’s clear consistency in the terroir and winemaking here.
Drink: 2018-21 

93
FEL 2016 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley 13.9%
This is a Pinot Noir powerhouse. Even on Day Three, it was powering on as though it had just been opened. Redolent of Marasca cherries and sweet-tart red plums with an undertow of blackcurrant, this wine presents a cornucopia of peak-perfect fruit ripeness. There’s a moreishness to the wine, thanks to its present yet discreet tannins and reticent yet perfectly placed acidity. Though the wine has an impressively intense and definitively youthful charisma, it is so harmonious as to be highly drinkable already. Still, it will clearly improve with time.
Drink: 2018-24