Napa Valley Chardonnay

The 2021 Chardonnay is a classic Ric Forman wine. Bright and focused, the 2021 is laced with plenty of lemon oil, white flowers, chalk, mint and white pepper. As always, there's a good bit of body from aging on the lees, but blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors brisk. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023)

Fresh and rounded. A bit indistinct in the mid palate. Montrachet like in flavor profile but lacks the detail, depth, complexity and fine acidity

Has evolved splendidly—rich and slightly unctuous, lemon curd, wet stones, judicious toasty hazelnut and vanilla, but the blocked-malo style gives it plenty of zip

The 2019 Chardonnay is compelling. In this vintage, the Chardonnay balances natural richness from aging on the lees with a touch of new oak (20%) with the energy that is the result of picking early and also blocking the malolactic fermentation. Lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine oil and white flowers all open up as this super-expressive Chardonnay shows off its character. Best of all, the 2019 can be enjoyed upon release. It is an incredibly delicious and rewarding wine to drink today. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2021)

Pale yellow, unfiltered. Non descriptive nose. Nice mouth feel, acid noticeable. Citrus notes, a creamy texture on the finish.

Beautifully aged Chardonnay with notes of graham cracker & lemon pith. Lively acidity makes this a great food wine.

This wine was a big hit last evening with Asher after he got a pinky-taste. This morning he asked for “wine please.” (Uh-oh) While I’m inclined to reward such politeness it seemed a bit early in the day. The wine itself? A bigger and more forward style of Chardonnay than I normally gravitate to but can’t fault the quality and balance. The grapefruit, lemon curd, pineapple creme brûlée and moderate toast should meld beautifully with some more time.

Halloween fondue frenzy. Always lovely.

Matchstick reduction. Butter, wonderful tension between snappy acidity and full,viscous feel. Baked apples.

Youthful apple, lemon curd, pear, quince, popcorn and hazelnut.