Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay (75cl, 14.1%)

A 100% Chardonnay from Carneros, California, bottled at 14.1% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is estate-grown and made from more than a dozen separately vinified Chardonnay wines from distinct estate vineyard blocks, then blended. Ageing takes place sur lie in stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels of varying ages, toast levels and cooperage origins. The nose opens with ripe Fuji apple and golden apricot, then clementine and kaffir lime, with subtle jasmine, flint and smoked almonds. The palate is mouth-filling with nectarine and glazed lemon, lemon curd, dried pineapple, green apple, brioche and a whisper of clove spice, with vibrant Carneros acidity. The finish is medium-long with crushed almond, pie crust, faint butterscotch warmth and a chalky mineral thread.