2012 Charles Smith Wines Chardonnay Sixto Frenchman Hills

Of the three Sixto Chardonnay releases, the 2012 Chardonnay Frenchman Hills Vineyard comes from the highest elevation site and cool, north-facing slopes and broken basalt soils. Seeing a scant 17% new French oak, it has lively, crisp notes of green citrus, toasted bread and buttered apple to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced, fresh, yet also rich style on the palate. One of the top Chardonnays coming out of Washington, it should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years.

Author: Jeb Dunnuck