Neyers Chardonnay Carneros (75cl, 14.1%)

A 100% Chardonnay from the Carneros appellation in California. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, then fermented in 60-gallon French oak barrels using indigenous wild yeast. Only 25% of the cooperage is new oak, with barrels built in France to Neyers' specifications from wood air-dried for three years. Extended lees contact develops a hazelnut-like aromatic quality. The nose opens with toasted hazelnuts and bread crust, followed by lemon curd, orange blossom and vanilla-tinged smoke. The palate is creamy and medium-to-full bodied, with golden apple, poached pear, butterscotch, grapefruit and spiced quince. The finish is moderately long and softly acidic, with tropical fruit and toasted lemon.