Lot 437
2022 Monterey County Chardonnay

Fruit character and structure are paramount for this winery and their Burgundian-leaning winemaker. 75% of the production sees French oak for 10-months, 20% new wood, all hand-stirred and barrel-fermented, with the remaining 25% of the production going straight into stainless steel.The final product has a strong sense of place with excellent acidity and fruit expression.

Fresh-sliced golden apple and lemon oils greet you on the nose, opening up to pear, fresh-churned butter, marzipan, and white florals with a bit of air. The entry is juicy, but dry; further lemon, apples, and pears envelope the palate accented by starfruit and florals revealing saline, medium, perfectly integrated acidity - exceptional palate structure here, almost Chablis-like until a faint kiss of neutral oak introduces vanilla blossoms into the mix. The finish is clean - not the typical Cali-oak-bomb; delicate vanilla, spice, and butter accent mango and almond slivers on the clean, medium length exit. Enjoy with food or as a solo sipper this coming Spring/Summer.