2016 Gary Farrell Westside Farms Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.25, TA 0.69, 674 cases, $55. Released May 2019. Vines planted in 1989 to clone 4. Harvest Brix 22.5º. Aged 9 months in 35% new French oak barrels and 65% one to three-year-old neutral French oak barrels and one 500-liter French oak puncheon. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. One bottle: Noticeable matchstick (reduction) along with aromas of lemon. Very reductive on the palate, with a flinty overtone to the lemon, butter cake and yellow apple fruit flavors. Rather austere, with a silky texture and a quenching, lemony finish. Second bottle: Aromas of lemon oil, pineapple honey and croutons. Somewhat rich, with ripe fruit flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, honey on a biscuit and caramel. Slightly creamy in texture, with a bit of tannin showing up on the dry finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 20, 2019

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Recently Tasted California Wines