2013 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 302 cases, $40. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard located just south of Garys’ Vineyard that is owned and farmed by Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Whole cluster pressed, fermented with a variety of specially selected yeasts. 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers oak-driven aromas of roasted nuts, incense, and toast, with a bit of flint. A robust wine offering upfront sappy flavors of grilled citrus, baked apple, poached pear and lemon butter, flanked by significant oak notes of caramel, toffee and toast. This wine will appeal to those who like a notable mantle of oak in Chardonnay. Score: 88. Reviewed September 18, 2015

Winery: Bernardus Vineyards & Winery
From article: Small Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay