The Lion's Tooth vineyard Chardonnay consists of 50% Mendoza (a.k.a. Gin-Gin) clone and 50% Clone 95. 2011 was the first vintage fermenting a proportion of the Chardonnay in the new, very unusual Tuscan Amphorae – in fact 50% barrel fermented and 50% amphora (which is made of clay layered with beeswax and with a stainless steel lid). Whether it's the amphora, the vintage or a bit of both, clearly the celestial bodies were aligned for the 2011 Lion's Tooth Chardonnay because this wine is a triumph. Still quite youthful and tight, it's revealing significantly more than when I tasted it last year with notes of crushed stones, yuzu and orange blossom plus white peaches and ginger at the core. Rich, textured and vibrant on the palate, it explodes in the mouth with stone fruit and citrus accents concluding in complex layers on the very long finish.

Bright straw-yellow. Apple and spice aromas show some development. Juicy and spicy on entry, with good acidity to the apple fruit. Has some sappiness and energy but the oaky finish shows a caramel edge. Fresher than this producer's other current chardonnay releases but I'd still drink this one over the next year or two.