Aromas of sliced cooked apple, pineapple and praline. Full-bodied with salted caramel. Oily and very rich at the finish. Hints of lime and peach. Wonderful length. 1,600 cases made. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.

Almost entirely Old WenAlmost entirely Old Wente clone (or, more properly, selection), Pahlmeyer's 2020 Chardonnay continues to be among Napa's most noteworthy efforts with the variety. All barrel fermented in all new oak from François Frères, there are overtones of smoke, mocha and popcorn, notes of honey and toast but also a deep core of pear and melon notes. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, it's also long and citrusy, with classy notes of pencil shavings on the lingering finish. te clone (or, more properly, selection), Pahlmeyer's 2020 Chardonnay continues to be among Napa's most noteworthy efforts with the variety. All barrel fermented in all new oak from François Frères, there are overtones of smoke, mocha and popcorn, notes of honey and toast but also a deep core of pear and melon notes. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, it's also long and citrusy, with classy notes of pencil shavings on the lingering finish.

Expansive, broad and aromatic, the notes of toasted fennel, lemon thyme, litsea oil and vetiver leap out of the glass, giving way to opulent flavors of grilled peach, caramelized pineapple and spiced, baked apples. Shows power and elegance, with crisp acidity pushing the flavors into clarity and helping them linger on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2037. 2,990 cases made.

Both richly flavored and mouthwatering, this Chardonnay offers a well balanced expression of a generous style. Juicy, ripe, yellow fruits and sweet pear are pleasantly spiced, carried through a long finish by brightening acidity. Delicious. - Elaine Chukan Brown