Winemaker Matt Ward, formerly of Atelier Melka, joined Pride Mountain Vineyards in August 2022. This Chardonnay is sourced from a couple of sites in Carneros and one in the Oak Knoll District, and is entirely barrel-fermented with 10% new French oak for up to 7-8 months. It’s a beautifully bright, crisp, sea-spray-driven wine, showing rich lemon and lime character alongside crisp, crunchy orchard fruit. White flowers add sumptuous lift, and the palate reveals impressive depth of flavour. Tension-driven and full of energy. (JC)