Duckhorn's Napa Valley Chardonnay was aged nine months in 100% French oak, 40% of which was new. As it is barrel-fermented chiefly, there are plenty of rich, toasty oak spices that mingle with lemon and lime zest, poached pear, loads of tropical fruit notes, green pineapple, guava, and mango, and lots of autolytic character. It runs the spectrum of flavours with an excellent depth of concentration and shows an unabashedly ripe California style for those who love it, only it really takes care to temper the sweetness factor, finishing nice and dry. (JC)