Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2022 (75cl, 14.4%)

Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2022 is a 100% Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California, made by Pahlmeyer. The fruit comes from high-elevation vineyards harvested at night, with hand-sorted whole clusters and two segregated press cuts. Fermentation takes place in 100% new French oak barrels using partially native yeasts, followed by 12 months on lees; the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The nose opens with white peach, grilled pineapple, gardenia, orange blossom, salted lemon peel, toasted marshmallow, sweet clover, lemongrass and a flinty mineral edge. The palate is rich with Marcona almond, macaroon, caramelized pineapple, spiced baked apple and preserved lemon, with dynamic acidity. The finish is long, with toasted hazelnut, lemon thyme, vanilla, smoky butter and bright citrus acidity.