Katie Santora, a product of the University of California-Davis winemaking program, has entered her second decade with Chehalem, and this reserve-style Chardonnay is a collection of Dijon clone 76, 95 and 96 off sister site Stoller Vineyard. The 10 months in a barrel program of 36% new French oak reflects a subtle sense of that toasted wood in the dusty nose that brings along butterscotch, citrusy ginger, dried pineapple, green banana and seashells. Its rounded and complex mouthfeel comes with a bite of Bosc pear and a nice burst of lemon. Suggested pairings include halibut.
Rating: Excellent — 89 points
Production: 285 cases
Alcohol 12.5%
Leave a Reply