The Oakville Chardonnay has garnered many fans far and wide. We are always tickled by the glowing reviews of this wine and are so happy that Betty asked to have Chardonnay planted at the Oakville estate. Winemaker Sean Capiaux planted this vineyard with close spacing and low yields in mind and selected four different clones to work with to maximize complexity from this special location. We believe it to be one of the last Chardonnay vineyards in Oakville. We make this wine in a non-malolactic style and ferment and sur lie age the wine for eleven months in 31% new French oak barrels, 23% neutral French oak barrels, 26% concrete, and 20% stainless steel barrels. The resulting wine is radiant yellow with notes of mandarin orange, white peach, and beeswax. On the palate you are greeted with lemon zest and toasted brioche followed by flavors of summer melon, pear, and a long viscous finish.
I continue to love the white from this estate, and the 2019 Chardonnay Napa Valley is another winner. Light gold-hued, its great nose of caramelized pineapple, lemon curd, white flowers, and a touch of chalky minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, bright, juicy, yet also concentrated Chardonnay that does everything right. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 7-8 years.
94 - Jeb Dunnuck