Carmel Road Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

Carmel Road Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from Monterey, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV. Fruit is sourced from Monterey County, where cooling Pacific winds funnel through the Salinas Valley. The juice is split between stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels during fermentation, retaining crisp fruit character while adding body and a silky mouthfeel without overt wood flavour. The nose opens with juicy tropical fruit and citrus blossom, then Asian pear and ripe white peach, with a subtle thread of white flower. The palate leads with bright citrus and stone fruit, moving into golden mango, tangerine and a touch of vanilla bean, with stony minerality and hints of butter cream. The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering tangerine zest and a flinty mineral note.