This is a delicious Chardonnay that shows just the right balance between dried citrus rind and pithy grapefruit and vanilla and butter. Full-bodied with lovely phenolics, providing depth and structure. Vibrant yet oily on the finish. Drink now or hold.

This vintage is the first at Newton for Alberto Bianchi, who had made wine at other Moët Hennessy properties in Margaret River, Marlborough and Mendoza after starting out in Italy. He focused this chardonnay on fruit from Carneros, with a contribution from Rutherford; it fermented spontaneously in French oak barrels (24 percent new) where it aged as well. It’s refreshing, firm and juicy, a sleek chardonnay that feels carefully crafted. Time in oak adds a salted caramel note to the brisk and earthy finish.

Entirely barrel fermented, this white is beautifully aromatic in pear, toasted oak and hazelnut. High toned, floral and earthy, it shows deft balance in the glass, offering elegance and impressive complexity that lasts gingerly on the finish. (VB)