Word of Mouth
A simple idea often gets lost in the many layered processes of the wine business – wine is something to be enjoyed by people.  One of the truly exciting things at Sans Permis is to hear how enthusiastically our wines are being received. While we recognize that winemaking is a life long process that one never completely masters, to have people taste the results of our efforts and respond with strong support makes it all worth while.

Regardless of whether the kudos are from a well known critic, a retail professional or a casual wine drinker, the fact that someone finds pleasure in our wines is the ultimate compliment. With that in mind, here are some of the things being said about Sans Permis.

From Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Issue #172, August 2007:

Sans Permis Chardonnay Le Selection des Wayfarer 2004 
The stunning 2004 Chardonnay La Selection de Wayfarer, which comes from the “W” Block of the Bien Nacido Vineyard, offers complex notes of bees’ wax, subtle honeysuckle, lemon butter, and brioche. This deep, full-bodied, superbly built Chardonnay possesses a light gold color, terrific acidity, and broad, intense flavors of wet stones and subtle wood. A grand cru-styled effort, it should drink beautifully for a decade. This wine elicited several “wow’s” when I tasted it. It was bottled with no fining or filtration. Drink now through 2017. 93 points.

Sans Permis Chardonnay La Chanson 2004
Chevalier-Montrachet-like (because of its liquid minerality, subtle buttery citrus, poached pear, and spice characteristics) is the 2004 Chardonnay La Chanson Argentee de Cuillere. It possesses excellent acidity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and delicacy allied to power. This wine elicited several “wow’s” when I tasted it. It was bottled with no fining or filtration. 92 points.

Sans Permis Chardonnay Cuvee Juliet 2004  
The flamboyant, tropical fruit-filled 2004 Chardonnay Cuvee Juliet (from the “J” Block of the Bien Nacido Vineyard) is the most obviously Californian offering of this trio. Full-bodied, with good acidity, and a big mouthfeel, this exotic beauty should drink well for 6-8 years. This wine elicited several “wow’s” when I tasted it. It was bottled with no fining or filtration. Drink now through 2015. 92 Points.

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From the Corkscrew Wine Emporium:

Sans Permis Chardonnay La Chanson 2004
A Chardonnay that recalls the famous 1976 tasting in which California Chard triumphed over their French counterparts. Mineral, fruit, depth, honey overtones, incredible richness are all there. Taste it, you will have to see for yourself. Words can only stretch the imagination so far.

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From Vinfolio:  

Sans Permis Chardonnay La Chanson 2004
Brought to me by one of my top boutique brokers, Sans Permis is an unfiltered Chardonnay that reminds me of some of the work from Scholium Project; very little manipulation is evident and the moderate use of any new oak is admirable. I like the austere, somewhat leesy quality to the wine. It isn't trying to be a crowd pleaser but is an evolved, cutting edge style of California Chardonnay you don't see very often.

Opaque golden in color with leanly focused aromas of lemon and mineral. Focused flavors of lees, hazelnut and rich, pure lemon/lime. Lean yet full bodied on the palate. Drink 2006-2013. 92 Points.

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From The Wine Country:   

Sans Permis Chardonnay Mon Favori Nordique 2004
An extremely complex aroma introduces this full-bodied wine using the Dijon Clone from the Durell Vineyard. With an enormous mouthfeel, it is super-rich and round, with just enough acidity to balance the massive flavor. Just enough oak to make the wine spicy. This is the heir apparent to Helen Turley’s Marcassin.

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From Wine Spectator July 31, 2007 Issue:

Sans Permis Chardonnay Le Selection des Wayfarer 2004
Rich, with a mix of tropical, pineapple and herb-tinged fruit that’s pure, focused, clean and refreshing. Ends with an edge of fruit and cedar. Drink now through 2010. 89 Points.

Sans Permis Chardonnay La Chanson 2004
Shows exotic tropical fruit, with deep, complex flashes of pear, fig and honeysuckle framed by cedary oak. Ends with a potent mix of ripe fruit and oak. Needs a little time. Drink now through 2010. 88 points. 

Sans Permis Chardonnay Mon Favori Nordique 2004
Complex and elegant, with smoky pear, fig, melon and citrus notes that are joined by a pleasing earthy quality. Holds its focus through the finish, ending with a tangy aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 88 points.

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From the Connecticut Culinary Masters Classic 2007 wine and food auction:

Sans Permis Chardonnay 2004
Rapidly becoming one of the most collectible examples of a Burgundian-style American Chardonnay, Sans Permis' limited production and unfiltered style will remind guests that a truly great producer can make incredible styles with care.

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