Gallo Family Vineyards Chardonnay (1.5L, 13%)

A barrel-fermented California Chardonnay bottled at 13% ABV in a 1.5-litre magnum. It is made by E. & J. Gallo Winery, founded in 1933 in Modesto, California. The wine undergoes whole cluster pressing and pre-clarification, then slow fermentation at 16°C in wooden barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation. The nose shows ripe pear, peach and gentle vanilla, with a subtle oak undertone. The palate has bright citrus, creamy butter, rich stone fruit, vanilla and soft oak. The finish is fairly warm and medium in length, with citrus peel, faint vanilla sweetness and a touch of bitter grapefruit rind.