Napa Valley Chardonnay

I haven’t had a lot of experience with Napa Valley Chardonnay but this was most enjoyable. Rich and mouth filling, creamy. Stone fruit and almonds. Barb said white flowers on the nose. Apparently this was picked early and malolactic fermentation was blocked. Oak influence is totally integrated - balanced. I paid $147 AUD in Brisbane in September 2021. A lot dearer than what you might pay in the States I would guess.

I made some great notes on Sunday and then lost them! Overall a delicate wine with excellent oak treatment to match the lighter fruit. Under ripe white flesh stone fruit and grapefruit with a minor toasty vanilla note. Many of my previous experiences with Cali Chardonnay were overoaked but this had great balance and thoroughly enjoyable. I notice some other tasters noted ripe Chardonnay fruit - certainly not in comparison to Leeuwin Art Series in my experience.

Always meets the bar

Ripe Chardonnay fruit.

Excellent, can't say much more, but appreciate the friends who brought it over. 😀

2017

A Napa legend.

Young with apricot, lemon, and citrus.

Lemon, stone fruit, bright

Very nice..mineral notes, floral, almost key lime. Smooth, balanced, surprisingly light mouth feel, a bit of tartness in the finish.