Angeline Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Monterey County (75cl, 13.8%)

A Monterey County, California Chardonnay from Martin Ray Winery's Angeline brand, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 92 points from James Suckling and 88 points from Wine Spectator. The wine is sourced from cooler coastal vineyards where Pacific breezes and fog help preserve bright natural acidity. It is partially barrel-fermented with hints of French oak, undergoes partial malolactic fermentation, and is aged on lees for a richer, creamier texture. The nose shows ripe golden pear, tropical pineapple, honeydew melon and apple blossom, with subtle toasty spice and creamy vanilla bean. The palate brings tart apricot, Gala apple, nectarine and peach, rounded by baked apple tart richness and citrus acidity. The finish is soft and lingering, with citrus zest and gentle oak spice.