CHARDONNAY
96 Mail Road 2018 Mt. Carmel Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills). Delicately lovely aromas of honeysuckle, lemon blossom, crisp apple and Asian pear invite the nose into this excellent bottling from an iconic vineyard. There’s an extremely chalky grip to the sip and yet generous flavors of coconut and pear. It’s fascinatingly expressive for being so tightly wound. —M.K.
abv: 13% Price: $100
This is a deliciously engaging Chardonnay from every aspect, starting with the lovely hints of daffodil, peach and coconut on the nose, where a delicate buttercream scent also lingers. The palate balances opulence with chalky tension, offering brioche and vanilla at the core yet a zesty Meyer lemon edge and a dash of sea salt on the finish. —M.K.
