Peter Michael La Carriere Chardonnay 2021 (75cl, 15.4%)

Peter Michael La Carrière Chardonnay 2021 is a 100% Chardonnay from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, from a mountainside vineyard between 1,200 and 1,700 feet above sea level. The name refers to the vineyard's spoon shape and rocky soils, which provide drainage and restricted fertility. The 2021 vintage was 100% barrel-fermented in French oak using native yeast, then aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage. The nose shows pear, brioche, jasmine, honeysuckle, saline, matchstick and Meyer lemon; the palate has lemon curd, sliced apple, oyster shell minerality, marzipan, tangerine peel and pastry; the finish carries lemon confit, vanilla bean and liquid minerality. It is best served slightly chilled around 55°F in a wide-bowled glass and rewards patient sipping.