Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay is a Central Coast California white made entirely from Chardonnay, with about 68% of the fruit from Monterey and 32% from Paso Robles. Winemaker Adam LaZarre ferments it cold, mostly in stainless steel, and moves just 15% into one-year-old oak barrels. Half the wine goes through malolactic fermentation, while the rest skips it to keep its freshness. The nose is green apple and ripe pineapple with toasted brioche, butterscotch and a little mango. The palate starts crisp with apple and grapefruit, then rounds out with pineapple, mango, stone fruit and light spice. The finish is medium, with pear, nutmeg and clean minerality.