Rodney Strong Chardonnay Sonoma 2022 (75cl, 13.5%)

A Sonoma County Chardonnay made from 100% Chardonnay, drawing fruit from Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill. Sixty percent is barrel fermented in French oak and aged for six months with monthly lees stirring, while forty percent is aged in stainless steel. Twenty-five percent of the final blend bypasses malolactic fermentation to retain crisp natural acidity. The nose shows Golden Delicious apple, ripe pineapple, lemon curd, lemongrass, cinnamon and light vanilla. The palate has white peach, crisp apple, nectarine, lemon curd, clove, toasted brioche and vanilla bean cream, balanced by mineral quality and lively citrus acidity. The finish is long and supple, with pear, mineral salts and toasted oak.