2018 Napa Valley Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The last vintage produced by longtime winemaker Michael Chelini, the 2018 Chardonnay offers up bits of struck flint, a faint smokiness and hints of burnt custard, plus lemon and lime. It's medium to full-bodied, round and mouth-filling but also zesty, taut and long with gentle phenolics on the finish. With only about 10% new oak used in this wine's élevage, it's a bit of an anachronism within Napa Valley.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chardonnay is bright and tense, but with striking texture as well as nuance. The blocked-malo style preserves quite a bit of energy, but there is a good deal of mid-palate pliancy and texture too. Lemon confit, sage, mint, almond and chamomile all grace this supple, racy Chardonnay from Stony Hill.