2015 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Sonoma County Chardonnay

14.4% alc., $65. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren’s signature is on the heavy, embossed bottle. 54% Robert Young, 26% Cold Creek, 12% Durell and 8% Belle Terre vineyards. Each lot fermented separately. Aged on the lees for 18 months in French oak barrels. A barrel selection for the final blend. · Moderate golden yellow. A classy wine by all definition that is highly nuanced and intriguing. Aromas and flavors of lemon oil, lemon meringue, spice, ripe pear and banana with a dash of oak. Enough fruit to satisfy, but gracious acid (read “mineralitydriven”) is the soul of this wine. The lemon creme finish has uncommon staying power. Still terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The winemaker’s best effort and it shows. Score: 96. Reviewed March 17, 2018

Winery: Chateau St. Jean Winery & Vineyards
From article: Recently Tasted California Chardonnay