The Path Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

The Path Chardonnay is a fruit-forward California Chardonnay from Don Sebastiani & Sons, vinted and bottled by The Patch Winery in Napa. Winemaker Greg Kitchens sources fruit from small vineyard parcels, some as compact as half an acre, and the wine sees a brief period of ageing with French oak. The 2020 vintage earned a Gold medal and the 2022 vintage a Silver at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The nose opens with ripe pear, crisp apple, jasmine blossom, peach and apricot. The palate is bright and fresh, with tangerine zest, tart red apple, red delicious pear, Meyer lemon and a gentle caramel and cinnamon warmth from the oak. The finish is medium in length, with lingering citrus and a clean, mineral-driven close, leaving a touch of apple blossom sweetness.