Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak added toasty vanilla and spice complexities, and during 9 months of barrel ageing, we regularly stirred the “lees” in barrel, which adds a creamy texture and increases richness on the palate. Encouraging secondary fermentation adds additional complexity, and in the glass the wine is both creamy and crisp, with ripe apple, Meyer lemon, wet stone, and spiced vanilla flavors. Enjoy over the next 1-3 years.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points. This is one of the best California Chardonnays in its price range. It's not a rich wine; instead, it's dry, crisply acidic and minerally, with citrus zest, vanilla cream and subtle oak flavors. Wine Guy: Ripe pear, butterscotch and notes of vanilla combine in this lightly oaky Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Medium-bodied with a viscous mouthfeel, this wine is rich without being overbearing and lingers on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points. This is one of the best California Chardonnays in its price range. It's not a rich wine; instead, it's dry, crisply acidic and minerally, with citrus zest, vanilla cream and subtle oak flavors. Wine Guy: Ripe pear, butterscotch and notes of vanilla combine in this lightly oaky Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Medium-bodied with a viscous mouthfeel, this wine is rich without being overbearing and lingers on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points. This is one of the best California Chardonnays in its price range. It's not a rich wine; instead, it's dry, crisply acidic and minerally, with citrus zest, vanilla cream and subtle oak flavors. Wine Guy: Ripe pear, butterscotch and notes of vanilla combine in this lightly oaky Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Medium-bodied with a viscous mouthfeel, this wine is rich without being overbearing and lingers on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points. This is one of the best California Chardonnays in its price range. It's not a rich wine; instead, it's dry, crisply acidic and minerally, with citrus zest, vanilla cream and subtle oak flavors. Wine Guy: Ripe pear, butterscotch and notes of vanilla combine in this lightly oaky Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Medium-bodied with a viscous mouthfeel, this wine is rich without being overbearing and lingers on the finish.