Joseph Carr Chardonnay (75cl, 14.3%)

A 100% Chardonnay from Carneros, California, produced by Joseph Carr. The 2021 vintage earned 91 points from Tasting Panel and a Gold Medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition. The wine is sourced from Carneros, the cool-climate appellation straddling the southern edges of Napa and Sonoma counties. Fermentation takes place in a combination of barrel and stainless steel tanks, then the wine ages sur lie for eight months in 20% new French oak, with monthly lees stirring. The nose opens with green apple, canary melon, lime zest, honeysuckle, garden herbs, vanilla and almond. The palate is mineral-driven, with wet stone, ripe pear, apricot, peach, citrus and tropical fruit, plus crème brûlée and toffee. The finish is generous and persistent, with bright acidity, a salty mineral quality, baked pear, lemon verbena and toasted almond.