Frank Family Chardonnay 2022 (75cl, 14.5%)

A barrel-fermented Chardonnay from Los Carneros, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The grapes come from as many as 20 vineyard sites on the Sonoma side of Carneros, including Las Amigas and Sangiacomo family blocks such as Green Acres and Catarina. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, one-third new, one-third once-filled and one-third twice-filled, followed by nine months of barrel ageing before blending and bottling. The nose opens with ripe peach and white nectarine, then orange blossom and lemon blossom, with subtle toasted oak and buttery shortbread beneath. The palate moves from tropical fruit and citrus to lemon curd and yellow apple, with salted butterscotch and brioche bread pudding adding weight. The finish is long and juicy, with refreshing acidity, candied ginger and a subtle saline quality.